What is nitrous oxide - and what are the risks of using it?

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is used by dentists to sedate patients and by bakers to make whipped cream.

But it is also sold by dealers as a means to get high, peddling it under the names NOS, hippy crack, or whippet.

Inhaling the gas can cause you to feel happy, relaxed, and giggly – but there can be more serious side effects, according to Gail Lennan, project lead at the Drug and Alcohol Support Service in Portsmouth.

She said: ‘In worst-case scenarios it can result in losing consciousness or even sudden death as inhaling nitrous oxide can be fatal if you don't get enough oxygen.

‘It can also cause side effects like dizziness, hallucinations, confusion, blurred vision and lack of co-ordination, which might result in additional harm if you have a fall or accident, or engage in other risky behaviour.

‘Longer term side-effects include memory loss, incontinence and nerve damage as it depletes levels of the important vitamin B12 in your body.’

There is also some evidence that combing nitrous oxide use with other drugs can place increased pressure on the heart and may disrupt your heart rate.

DASS is continuing to offer free, confidential support to anyone under the age of 19 who is concerned about or involved in substance misuse.

Gail said: ‘In line with current coronavirus guidance we're not able to meet young people face-to-face at the moment but can offer support over the phone or online. We can also offer support to parents worried about their child's substance misuse.’

Anyone can email [email protected] and call or text on 07951 497898 or 07557 753131.