You must have already heard of laughing gas: nitrous oxide (N2O) is a gas used in the medical environment that is also found in certain kitchen accessories – whipped cream dispenser cartridges, in particular.
Problem: for several years now, the “proto” has been used as a drug by adolescents and young adults. The gas is transferred into a balloon and then inhaled through the mouth: it then causes euphoria and temporary relaxation.
Of course, laughing gas is harmful to health: in the long term, there are also serious neurological and cardiovascular risks.
Yes but here it is: how do i know if my child/teen is taking nitrous oxide? Asked by our colleagues from ParisianDr. Sylvie Deheul, from the addiction monitoring center in Lille, lists a few signs that should alert you…
Dropping out of school, repeated giggles, falls…
Thus, in the event of heavy consumption of “proto” over a short period, users may complain of fatigue, headaches, nausea and/or vomiting. Parents may also observe frequent falls and/or accidents on bicycles or scooters. If children / teenagers consume at home, repeated giggles with friends can alert.
Dropping out of school is also a “red flag” that should not be ignored. The middle school / high school student sees his grades drop, loses interest in his extra-curricular activities, no longer does his homework, skips class…
I suspect my child/teenager of taking laughing gas, what should I do? The best thing is to make an appointment with your doctor or pediatrician, who may be able to refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist specializing in addictions.
