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Folks know much less about leisure nitrous oxide use than they suppose they do, new College of Otago–Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka analysis reveals.
Nitrous oxide is a fuel that may be inhaled to create short-lived psychoactive results, comparable to euphoria, dissociation, and hallucinations. In Aotearoa New Zealand, it’s unlawful to promote, provide or possess the drug for leisure use.
Lead writer Dr. Jai Whelan (Ngāi Te Rangi), a Postdoctoral Analysis Fellow within the Division of Inhabitants Well being (Ōtautahi) who accomplished his Ph.D. within the Division of Psychology, says using nitrous oxide for non-medical functions has grown globally, as has hurt leading to hospitalizations.
“There was—and still is—very little information about its use in Aotearoa. We wanted to start filling that gap and assess what harms may be out there so that we can shape our harm reduction measures to improve the well-being of people who use drugs,” Dr. Whelan says.
The work is revealed within the Journal of Psychoactive Medicine.
Practically 1,000 individuals aged 16-65 accomplished a nationwide survey. Consumption practices, experiences of hurt, and hurt discount habits have been investigated throughout 466 respondents, whereas nitrous oxide information, perceptions of use, and views on legality have been explored in a further 510 individuals who didn’t use nitrous oxide.
“For most people who consume nitrous oxide, use is infrequent, in low doses, and mainly used in addition to other drugs,” Dr. Whelan says. “Harm was relatively uncommon.”
Most individuals (60.5%) who had used nitrous oxide reported realizing “a moderate amount” or extra in regards to the drug, however simply 28.1% knew about its potential to inactivate the B12 vitamin.
The typical age of first consumption was 19.4 years, the commonest setting was home events, and the vast majority of customers inhaled the fuel through a balloon (96.8%).
Beneath half of customers (47.4%) skilled adversarial results—the commonest have been confusion (31.6%), chilly burns (24%), and nausea (15.7%). Just below 6% stated their nitrous oxide use had precipitated them hurt.
A minority of individuals additionally reported feeling constant numbness, which can have been brought on by its influence on B12. This will sign uncommon however extra critical hurt, principally related to power and heavy use.
“We would recommend that if anyone experiences this or other sensory changes that remain after the drug has worn off, they should take a break from using nitrous oxide and seek medical attention.”
There was additionally little help for harsher penalties for leisure use amongst individuals who use and don’t use nitrous oxide.
In September 2024, Well being Minister Dr. Shane Reti introduced the Authorities deliberate to limit gross sales of nitrous oxide and supported the introduction of harder penalties if offered for leisure functions beneath the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013.
Knowledge for the Otago examine was collected previous to this announcement, between Could and December 2023.
“Our results show little cause for serious large-scale concern and point to some clear next steps around drug education,” Dr. Whelan says.
“Not all drug use leads to harm, and having more information can enable people to make informed choices about drug use and protect their well-being.”
Extra info:
Jai Whelan et al, Consuming and Pondering About Nangs: A Survey of Nitrous Oxide Use, Data, Attitudes and Perceptions in Aotearoa New Zealand, Journal of Psychoactive Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2025.2452224
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Research reveals many do not know in regards to the sudden damaging results of nitrous oxide use (2025, January 22)
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