Substance abuse nitrous oxide

Harper MH, Winter PM, Johnson BH, et al Withdrawal convulsions in mice following nitrous oxide. Anesth Analg 59 19—21, 1980 Hasin D,Nunes E, MeydanJ Comorbidity of alcohol, drug, and psychiatric disorders epidemiology, in Dual Diagnosis and Psychiatric Treatment Substance Abuse and Comorbid Disorders, 2nd Edition. Edited by Kranzler HR, Tinsley JA. New York, Marcel Dekker, 2004, pp 1-34... 

Nitrous oxide is difficult to categorize. Technically, it is an inhalant, yet there are several characteristics that set the drug apart from the typical volatile substances that inhalant abusers favor. First, N20 is not as readily accessible as hair spray, glue, household cleaners, and other off-the-shelf huffing chemicals of choice. Secondly, since nitrous oxide is an actual prescription anesthetic, it may have more perceived prestige among users who would look down at most volatile substance abuse as kid s stuff. ... 

An annual survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that 8.27 million Americans have used nitrous oxide illicitly (not for medical purposes) at least once in their lifetime. 

In 1999, 7.8 million Americans reported the illicit use of nitrous oxide at least once in the prior 12 months. Yet according to SAMHSA, substance abuse treatment admissions for all inhalants accounted for only slightly over 1,300 of the almost 1.6 million substance abuse treatment admissions that same year. 

Substance abusers become preoccupied with when and where they will be able to get their next dose. As drug use takes center stage in an abuse s life, relationships with family and friends frequently deteriorate. Although nitrous oxide and other inhalants are known for their relatively low cost, an NzO abuser may suffer financial hardships as a result of unemployment, automobile accidents, or poor performance at school. 

Most states have laws regarding inhalant (or volatile substance) use and abuse on the books. In recent years, laws that are specific to nitrous oxide use and distribution have been written in many states. For example, in Connecticut, Arizona, Texas, and Michigan, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase nitrous oxide, even in food grade cartridges. In Arizona, anyone caught selling N20 to minors faces up to 18 months in jail and a 150,000 fine. 

Nitrous oxide (N2O), also known as laughing gas, is one of the most common abused inhalants. It is an anesthetic gas. Inhalation can produce euphoria, dreaminess, tingling, numbness, as well as visual and auditory hallucination. Such effects arise from administering the gas diluted in oxygen, usually 30-35% mixed in oxygen. Inhalation of 100% N2O can cause asphyxiation and death. Many volatile organic compounds that have anesthetic properties can produce exhilaration and euphoria. These include diethylether, chloroform, and halothane. High doses of these substances can produce unconsciousness. 

Nitrous oxide (CAS 10024-97-2) A CNS depressant. Hematopoietic effects from chronic exposure include megaloblastic anemia. Substance abuse has resulted in neuropathies. May have an adverse effect on human fertility and fetal development. See also p 282. 50 ppm Coloriess gas. Sweet odor. Not combustible. Widely used as an anesthetic gas in dendstiy, and a popular dmg of abuse. 

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