Nitrous oxide abuse: The effect of whippets on your brain

Recently, Indiana State Excise Police reported an alarming increase in the illegal sale of Galaxy Gas, which are flavored canisters of the nitrous oxide. Videos of its use spread on TikTok, and public health officials are concerned about young people abusing the inhalant, which can cause nerve damage, anemia and even death.

What do whippets do to the brain and body?

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that causes euphoria and feelings of detachment. In medicine, it’s used for sedation and pain relief. Nitrous oxide is inhaled into the lungs, where it dissolves quickly into the blood stream and arrives at the brain within seconds. The gas blocks pain signals and causes the release of dopamine to create feelings of euphoria that last seconds or minutes.

Nitrous oxide has been used for more than 150 years in dentistry, where it’s often called “laughing gas.” It’s also used as a pain reliever in childbirth and emergency medicine. In the medical setting, nitrous oxide is delivered with a 30% to 70% mix of oxygen, so patients don’t receive 100% of the drug. The medical forms of nitrous oxide are developed to minimize the risk of asphyxiation and limit the chance of organ damage and death.

Recreational nitrous oxide use typically involves inhaling 100% nitrous oxide. While individuals seek the euphoric effects, the gas also displaces breathable oxygen. This lack of oxygen can lead to confusion, unconsciousness and, in worst-case scenarios, even death.

In the short term, whippet users can feel briefly euphoric, but can also experience:

• Unconsciousness
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness or imbalance
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision
• Tingling sensations in the body
• Headaches

Someone who is using whippets may appear slightly drunk, with red eyes, a runny nose, a chemical smell to their breath, loss of appetite and sores around the lips or even inside the mouth from frostbite. Users may also leave behind the small metal gas canisters.

Because the high is so quick, people abusing nitrous oxide often huff multiple times in a row. This can lead to long-term side effects, such as:

• Memory loss
• Nerve damage
• Anemia

If someone you know is experiencing concerning side effects from nitrous oxide toxicity, you should call 911 or seek immediate medical care. If you are concerned that someone is has chronic or long-term effects from nitrous oxide toxicity, they should also be seen by a medical provider. The Indiana Poison Center (1.800.222.1222) can also assist with medical guidance for both acute and chronic nitrous oxide toxicity.

Do whippets kill brain cells?

Yes, whippets damage cells in the brain. Continued abuse of nitrous oxide lowers the body’s levels of the vitamin B12, which protects the spinal cord. Without B12, the body develops myelopathy, or a spinal cord injury. This can lead to problems walking as well as tingling and numbness in the legs, hands and feet. While some of this nerve damage may improve by stopping the use of nitrous oxide and treatment, it is also possible for the nerve damage to be chronic and even permanent.

Are whippets addictive?

Yes. The high from huffing a whippet canister is so instantaneous that users often want to repeat the experience multiple times. Over time, whippet users need more of the gas to get high as their tolerance rises.

Even if they want to quit, many users report a strong desire to continue inhaling whippets. Heavy users who quit inhaling whippets can experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, cravings and anxiety.

What does whippet recovery look like?

Nitrous oxide addiction is treated like any other substance use disorder, through detoxification, inpatient or outpatient treatment and behavioral therapy. A patient may need to detox with medical professionals to prevent relapse. Addiction treatment can be accessed in a hospital or through an outpatient clinic. This kind of treatment helps users break from their addictive routines and replace unhelpful thoughts and behaviors with healthy ones. Treatment for whippet addiction also involves behavioral, group and/or cognitive therapy.

It’s important to seek help for whippet addictions early to avoid worsening damage to the brain and body. If you or someone you know has a nitrous oxide addiction, reach out for help and resources through IU Health or by accessing treatment and support through the National Helpline at the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration.