Galaxy Gas: Do You Know the Risks of This Dangerous Trend?
You are here:A dangerous, long-time inhalant misuse trend has reemerged bearing a new name, “Galaxy Gas”. Parents should familiarize themselves with the risks teens face when misusing these substances.
Knowing the facts about Galaxy Gas misuse may save a life.
What Is Galaxy Gas?
Galaxy Gas is a high-quality whipped cream dispenser. Typically, it is used for culinary purposes. For instance, it used to create mousse or foam to enhance food dishes and cocktails.
A Galaxy Gax dispenser contains compressed nitrous oxide. “Huffing” nitrous oxide (N2O) produces a brief, intense high that can be fatal. Although huffing or whiffing is not a new trend among teens, the easy availability of these products encourages it.
Galaxy Gas chargers are stainless steel cartridges. The compressed N2O helps cream and other ingredients form a whipped, frothy state. The products are available in big brand-name stores, vape shops, and online.
Other names for Galaxy Gas include nitro, N2O, NOS, whippet, nangs, buzz bomb, laughing gas, balloons, or hippy crack.
What Is Nitrous Oxide?
Dentists use nitrous oxide during dental procedures for several reasons. The term “laughing gas” refers to how the substance reduces anxiety and induces a calm, euphoric feeling. It causes the brain to produce norepinephrine which inhibits pain signals. The substance does not put the patient to sleep but raises the pain threshold. This effect allows people to undergo dental procedures with less fear and stress.
Some side effects of N2O include:
- Dissociation
- Disorientation
- Weakness
- Poor coordination
- Impaired cognition
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Skin and eye irritation
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
Dangerous side effects may occur such as fluid build-up in the lungs known as pulmonary edema, which is a medical emergency. Pulmonary edema can lead to unconsciousness and death.
Long-term effects may cause:
- Memory loss
- Incontinence
- Ringing in the ears
- Weakened immune system
- Numbness in the extremities
- Spasms, loss of muscle control
- Disruption to reproductive system
- Vitamin B12 depletion, brain and nerve damage
Repeated misuse of N2O may lead to psychosis, psychological dependence on the substance, and depression.
How Do People Misuse Nitrous Oxide?
Typically, people ingest Galaxy Gas by releasing the gas into another object such as a balloon, or they inhale the gas directly from the canister into their mouth.
A person feels the effects of huffing Galaxy Gas almost immediately, but they may only last a few minutes. Due to the brief high, a person will take more of the gas to continue the effects.
Although Galaxy Gas is not illegal to purchase, misuse is illegal, and can lead to arrest. Teens must understand that just because you can buy something legally doesn’t mean it is safe.
Signs of Galaxy Gas Misuse
As with most other drugs, Galaxy Gas affects each person differently. The effects are based on a person’s size, weight, overall health, presence of other drugs or alcohol, and the amount taken.
Signs that someone is misusing Galaxy Gas include:
- Giddiness
- Euphoria
- Uncontrolled laughter
- Blurred vision
- Sweating
- Tiredness or weakness
- Poor coordination
Inhaling large amounts of Galaxy Gas can cause low blood pressure, fainting, seizures, unconsciousness, or heart attack. These signs of Galaxy Gas overdose are a medical emergency.
Is Galaxy Gas Addictive?
The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as:
“Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.”
Regular use of nitrous oxide causes a person to feel they need the drug to get through the day, despite the side effects of the chemical. They also develop a higher tolerance to the substance, leading them to take larger amounts to get the desired effects. Therefore, N2O is considered addictive.
Treatment for Galaxy Gas Abuse and Addiction
Long-term use of Galaxy Gas can lead to a range of serious physical and mental side effects, including dependence and addiction. The best option for recovering from addiction is to seek professional help.
Design for Change Recovery provides addiction treatment programs that are evidence-based and scientifically proven to be effective. Our compassionate, skilled specialists will guide you through your recovery journey in a treatment plan customized to your specific needs.
Our full continuum of care seeks to address all aspects of addiction and recovery. We offer various levels of care that can be adapted to your unique situation. Each day in our program, you will participate in activities and classes that help you build a foundation for substance-free living.
To help clients get the highest level of care possible, we are in-network with many major insurance companies. If you don’t have insurance, we will work with you to find alternative financial arrangements. In addition, our facility is fully–accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). This accreditation ensures that you receive the utmost care and safety during your time in our facility.
Contact our Lancaster, CA facility to speak with a treatment advisor to learn more about how we will help you overcome addiction and enjoy a healthier, more fulfilled lifestyle.
Sources:
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Recreational Nitrous Oxide Use: Prevalence and Risks
- asam.org – Definition of Addiction
- adf.org.au – Nitrous Oxide
