Nang Addiction

Substance abuse involves a full catalogue of both legal and illicit substances, including some you might not be familiar with.

For example, unless you have personal experience with it, you might not be familiar with nitrous oxide (nang). Rest assured that nang addiction is very real.

We have put together this introductory guide discussing nang addiction. If you or someone you know abuses nitrous oxide, know that it might not end well. But also take hope in the knowledge that nang addiction can be treated.

A Gas With Medical Applications

Nitrous oxide is a gas consisting of both nitrogen and oxygen. We have been using it in our hospitals for decades. More often than not, it is utilised for sedation and pain relief – a patient might be given nitrous oxide just prior to surgery; dentists offer the gas when performing painful procedures.

Outside of the medical environment, nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas, whippits, and the previously mentioned nang. It is used in the UK as a recreational drug that has proved quite popular on the club scene. Indeed, it’s one of the most frequently abused drugs in England and Wales.

Unfortunately, nang is like so many other drugs subject to abuse. It was developed for good and noble purposes. In a medical environment, its use is completely appropriate. But outside of medicine, nang has a high potential for abuse and addiction.

How Nang Is Used

The way people use nang partially explains its popularity as a recreational drug. In a hospital setting, nang is administered by way of a traditional breathing apparatus. Recreational users administer it with something as simple as a balloon.

A balloon is preferred over direct inhalation from a capsule due to the dangers direct inhalation pose. So instead, the gas is released into a balloon and then inhaled from there. Here’s the kicker: inhalation delivers the nitrous oxide to the bloodstream almost instantly. The gas’s effects are felt within seconds of inhalation.

Nang is considered a depressant in the sense that it tends to reduce the effectiveness of the senses. Under the influence, a person is likely to experience a reduction in pain response, hearing, and even the sensation of touch. Nang can also depress normal emotional responses as well as cognition, concentration, and memory.

The Dangers of Addiction

Casual nang use may seem harmless, but it can lead to heavier and more harmful use down the road. Frequent consumption can open the door to addiction and serious health consequences. The biggest danger of all may lie in the mechanism behind nang’s euphoric feelings: depriving the brain of oxygen.

Oxygen deprivation can be deadly in the short term. This is why anaesthesiologists need to be present when nitrous oxide is used in a surgical setting. But even under controlled administration, the oxygen deprivation resulting from nitrous oxide can affect the brain in harmful ways.

Understand that the dangers of nang addiction are very real. Long term, heavy use can lead to psychosis. Vitamin B12 deficiency is another risk. It can lead to nerve damage and eventual paralysis, and of course, death by overdose is always a possibility.

The risks of using nang recreationally are serious enough that the government recently banned nitrous oxide possession and consumption outside of a medical environment.

Signs of Nang Addiction

Like addiction to other substances, there are certain signs people can look for if they suspect nang abuse or addiction. These include:

• A preoccupation with using the gas.
• Neglecting daily responsibilities in order to use.
• Continuing nang use despite knowing of its negative consequences.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms between uses.

Withdrawal symptoms are also pretty typical. They include headaches, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, sweating, and anxiety. Anyone who uses nang and experiences such symptoms between hits is very likely experiencing some level of addiction.

In terms of signs and symptoms, there is one last thing to consider: the signs of a nang overdose. There are three, and they all point to potential death if the victim does not get treatment:

• Loss of consciousness.
• Irregular heartbeat and/or heart attack.

The symptoms of a nang overdose should never be taken lightly. Remember that nang produces euphoric feelings by depriving the brain of oxygen. Symptoms of overdose indicate that oxygen deprivation has reached a critical level.

Nang Addiction Can Be Treated

We want to close by letting you know that nang addiction can be treated. To learn more, you or your loved one need only reach out for help. Getting into treatment as quickly as possible reduces the risks of long-term harm and potential death.

If you use nang, please stop. And if you find you cannot stop, please seek out treatment as soon as possible. Your life and health depend on it.