The Availability and Danger of Nitrous Oxide Use in Young Adults

Recreational nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) use is a growing trend among young adults, fueled by its easy accessibility online and in stores, and normalized by social media. Despite being falsely perceived as safe due to its medical use, inhaling nitrous oxide without medical supervision carries acute risks like sudden death from hypoxia and frostbite, and chronic use causes devastating, potentially irreversible neurological damage by inactivating Vitamin B12, leading to symptoms like numbness, weakness, and paralysis. Parents and young adults are urged to be aware of the dangers and seek professional help for addiction.

From Medical Use to Recreational Inhalant: Understanding Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is something most of us have probably encountered. It’s a colorless, odorless gas that’s used legitimately in medicine and industry. Dentists have been using it for ages to alleviate pain, and it’s also a go-to treatment in surgical and emergency situations. But N2O also gives you this euphoric, detached feeling, which has led some people to use it recreationally.

The fact is, recreational use is becoming more common due to those small cartridges, commonly used in whipped cream dispensers. They’re filled with compressed nitrous oxide and are easy to get at grocery stores, convenience stores, and online. Some people even call it “hippie crack,” which shows how popular it’s become in certain groups, especially with younger people. It’s really important to understand the difference between when it’s used for good and the dangers of using it just to get high.

The Alarming Accessibility of Nitrous Oxide

One of the scariest things about nitrous oxide is how easy it is to get. Unlike a lot of illegal drugs, you can find nitrous oxide products being sold openly as if they’re just regular kitchen supplies. Online stores have made it even easier, letting you order large amounts. You can even find different brands of nitrous oxide on big online stores, often with bright, fun packaging and flavors that are clearly aimed at kids, like “Bomb Pop” and “Cosmic Gas.”

Some states are starting to do something about nitrous oxide, but the rules about using nitrous oxide for personal use are still ambiguous in 2026. It’s confusing because buying nitrous oxide might be totally legal where you are, but illegal just across the state line. And even if it’s legal to buy, having it with the intention of inhaling it could get you into serious trouble.

There are even sophisticated networks out there selling big tanks of nitrous oxide, trying to get people to use more. They often use social media to advertise, taking advantage of the idea that nitrous oxide is safe because doctors and chefs use it. For young people looking for a quick high, the fact that it’s legal, easy to find online, cheap, and socially accepted makes it way too easy to get.

Who Is Using Nitrous Oxide? Prevalence and Trends

Using nitrous oxide for fun is definitely becoming more common among teenagers and young adults. Studies show that millions of people have tried it at some point. College campuses are becoming hotspots, with more and more incidents of people using it in groups.

While younger kids have historically been more likely to abuse inhalants, nitrous oxide is getting popular with older teens and college students. Research suggests that people who use nitrous oxide often have other issues going on, like other substance abuse problems, mental health challenges, and social struggles.

Why the Appeal? Misconceptions and Social Media Influence

It’s not just about how easy it is to get nitrous oxide; it’s also about how people see it. Laughing gas makes you feel good right away, and the effects don’t last long. This can make people think it’s safe, even though there’s evidence that it can be really harmful, even if you only use it once. 

Social media is a big part of why nitrous oxide is becoming more popular. You see videos of people using it all over TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. The colorful packaging, the funny way people act when they’re high, and the likes and comments make it seem normal and even cool. Content creators and influencers often do it themselves, which makes it seem socially acceptable.

These platforms create communities where people share tips, recommend where to buy it, and reinforce the idea that using nitrous oxide is fun, harmless, and okay. Young adults, who are already trying to figure things out, are especially likely to be influenced by their friends and want to fit in. For those who are struggling with their mental health, the idea of a cheap, easy, and socially accepted way to feel good can be really tempting.

Acute Effects and Short-Term Risks

When you breathe in nitrous oxide, it quickly gets into your blood and goes to your brain. At first, you might feel really happy, relaxed, and a little bit out of it. You might also laugh uncontrollably, which is why they call it “laughing gas.” But there are serious risks that go way beyond these short-term effects.

One of the most dangerous things is sudden death, which can happen even to young, healthy people. This can happen because of hypoxia, which is when you don’t have enough oxygen in your blood. Using big tanks of pressurized nitrous oxide makes this risk much higher. There have been cases of people passing out and dying from not being able to breathe after inhaling nitrous oxide from large tanks.

Frostbite is another risk. Breathing in nitrous oxide directly from pressurized canisters can cause the throat and lungs to freeze.

Additionally, regular use causes devastating damage to the nervous system by irreversibly inactivating vitamin B12. This functional Vitamin B12 deficiency prevents the body from using the vitamin, leading to serious health consequences.

Psychiatric and Other Complications

Beyond neurological damage, psychiatric complications can emerge with regular nitrous oxide use, including 

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Psychosis
• Cognitive decline
• Personality changes
• Mood dysregulation

Specific Risks for Young Adults

Adolescents and college-aged young adults face particular vulnerabilities due to adolescent brain development and the social contexts in which they encounter N2O. Nitrous oxide addiction symptoms in teenagers can be difficult to recognize. 

While there are no classic physical withdrawal symptoms, psychological dependence can develop, with 

• Intense cravings
• Continued use despite negative consequences
• Loss of control

Parents should watch for 

• Empty canisters
• Balloons with a chemical smell
• Changes in mood or academic performance
• Social withdrawal
• Unexplained financial problems
• Reports of physical symptoms

The marketing and distribution of flavored nitrous oxide products, such as Galaxy Gas, is concerning. These products, with bright packaging and appealing flavors, are often sold in smoke shops and vape stores, normalizing substance use among young people. This marketing strategy mirrors tactics used by the tobacco industry to target youth.

Parents, educate yourselves and your children about the dangers of nitrous oxide use. Be aware of the signs of use and seek professional help if you have concerns.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, Mountainside can help. We offer individualized and comprehensive treatment that meets people where they are. Speak with an admissions specialist today to discover your options!