You snooze you lose?
Galaxy Gas is a brand name for containers filled with nitrous oxide. It is marketed for culinary purposes such as making whipped cream.
Whippet highs happen within ten seconds and can last for a few minutes. A user might inhale a larger quantity or repeat the process frequently to extend the effects.
Many people, namely teenagers, will recreationally inhale the gas outside of a medical professional's supervision. This trend has been around for a long time, but the Galaxy Gas brand of whippet has been spotted on social media in recent months.
Nitrous oxide is also known by other names such as laughing gas, nitro, N2O, NOS, and more. In the US, it is commonly referred to as a whippet or whippit due to its association with whipped cream.
Nitrous oxide can make you feel joyful, happy, and even excited. Your mind may feel separate from your body momentarily, creating a floating sensation.
Nitrous oxide has beneficial uses when used correctly by a professional. For example, it is used in medical, dental, and veterinary settings.
Nitrous oxide symptoms can depend on your weight, overall health, how much of the nitrous oxide you use, and if you’ve mixed it with other drugs. Some side effects include a tingling sensation, weakness in the legs, and dizziness or tiredness.
Other symptoms that could occur are an irregular heartbeat, slurred speech, a lack of balance or coordination, nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, and headaches.
Nitrus oxide is dangerous to use while pregnant and can lead to birth defects.
However, states such as Arizona, California, and Connecticut made it illegal to sell nitrous oxide to anyone under 18 years old. Other states have banned the recreational use of nitrous oxide.
If you see drug accessories such as empty metal cylinders or balloons lying around, it could be an indicator.
There are many signs someone may be abusing whippets and nitrous oxide. They might act dazed as if they’re intoxicated or drunk, and they might have a “huffers rash” which is when red spots or sores form around the mouth.
One form of therapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help patients recognize and deal with the feelings they experience before misusing nitrous oxide.
Sources: (American Addiction Centers) (USA Today Life) (WebMD) (BBC) (Alcohol and Drug Foundation) (Forbes) (Clevland Clinic) (Bright Future Recovery)
See also: The most harmful drugs in the world
One way to handle substance abuse is to seek treatment such as detox. This is when an individual rids themselves of substances and experiences withdrawal symptoms while being professionally and medically monitored.
Another tell-tale sign is if their breath smells like chemicals. They may become moody and irritable, and start to be absent from school or work.
To inhale the nitrous oxide drug, a person will breathe in the fumes from a closed source. For example, they may release the gas from the pressurized canister into a balloon and then inhale it.
This gallery will explain what you need to know about the drug, the warning signs that someone is using it, and how to help them. This trend can cause a lot of harm in both the short and long term, so read on now. Click through the gallery to get started.
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HEALTH Warning
Parents, be on the lookout. There's a dangerous new trend on social media involving kids and teens using Galaxy Gas. What is Galaxy Gas, you might be wondering? You aren't alone in your curiosity.
This gallery will explain what you need to know about the drug, the warning signs that someone is using it, and how to help them. This trend can cause a lot of harm in both the short and long term, so read on now. Click through the gallery to get started.