Tag: Inhalant abuse

In 2007, 1.1% of US youth aged 12 to 13 reported using inhalants in the past month, a statistic that highlights the accessibility and dangers of these substances [1.6.7]. The question of *what will happen if you smell drugs* encompasses a wide range of scenarios, from accidental exposure to intentional abuse, each with vastly different risks.

First discovered in 1772, nitrous oxide is a colorless gas with anesthetic and analgesic properties that has a long history of both medical use and recreational abuse. If you're asking **what kind of drug is nitrous?**, its classification is complex, acting as a dissociative inhalant with a rapid, short-lived effect.

In 2020, nitrous oxide was the second most abused recreational drug, after cannabis, among 16 to 24-year-olds in the U.K.. The answer to 'Is nitrous oxide safe recreationally?' is no, due to risks of severe neurological damage and even death.

Recreational misuse of nitrous oxide has led to a significant increase in adverse health events, including neurological damage and, in severe cases, death. While known medically as a safe anesthetic when administered under supervision, the question "are nitrous oxides harmful?" is critical for those considering recreational use.

According to a 2019 survey, almost 13 million Americans aged 12 or older have misused nitrous oxide in their lifetime. Also known by slang terms like 'whippets' and 'laughing gas,' understanding exactly what is the street drug nitrous is crucial due to its rising recreational use and potential for serious health consequences.