Nitrous oxide: hidden danger among young people

This phenomenon is alarming because, although at first glance, nitrous oxide seems harmless, it poses serious risks to the health and life of consumers. Consuming nitrous oxide, also known as nitrous oxide, produces short-term euphoria and relaxation, but the long-term consequences are anything but harmless.

Effects and dangers of laughing gas

Nitrous oxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is used in medicine for anesthesia. When consumed recreationally, it produces a state of intoxication that is often perceived by users as a harmless “kick”. This misperception is particularly common among young people, who are led to do so by social media and the mistaken belief that the substance is harmless.

However, abusing nitrous oxide can lead to a number of side effects, including drowsiness, hallucinations, dizziness, headaches, and if used improperly, even frostbite of the mouth and throat and ruptures in lung tissue.

Long-term damage and mixed consumption

The long-term consequences of nitrous oxide use are particularly concerning. Regular use can cause severe nerve damage caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12, leading to numbness, gait disturbances, and other neurological symptoms.

The risks increase when nitrous oxide is used in combination with other drugs such as cannabis, GHB or ketamine, which can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and, in the worst case, death.

Protective measures for young people

As parents and guardians, you have the important job of educating teens about these risks and encouraging them to say no. It is important to strengthen young people's resilience by informing them about possible dangers and supporting them in their responsible behavior. Websites like “ drugcom ” and “ DigiSucht ” offer valuable information and support.

Open communication about the dangers of drug use and promoting self-control and critical thinking are essential to protecting youth and enabling them to make informed decisions.

questions and answers

Question 1: What exactly is nitrous oxide?
Answer 1: Nitrous oxide or nitrous oxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is used in medicine for anesthesia and is increasingly being abused as an intoxicant.

Question 2: What are the risks associated with consuming nitrous oxide?
Answer 2: Consumption can lead to psychological dependence, development of tolerance, drowsiness, hallucinations, dizziness, headaches, frostbite, cracks in the lung tissue, severe nerve damage and, with mixed consumption, to a severe drop in blood pressure, unconsciousness and even death.

Question 3: How can young people be protected from the dangers of laughing gas?
Answer 3: By educating people about the risks, building resilience, encouraging self-control and critical thinking, and communicating openly about the dangers of drug use.

Question 4: Why is the abuse of laughing gas particularly widespread among young people?
Answer 4: Social media and the supposed harmlessness of the substance contribute to young people underestimating the dangers and being tempted to use it.

Question 5: What can parents do to educate and protect their children?
Answer 5: Parents should inform themselves, speak openly with their children about the dangers, inform them about the long-term consequences and encourage them to use them responsibly.

Conclusion

The abuse of nitrous oxide as an intoxicant poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of young people. Educating about the risks and empowering young people to say no are crucial to combating this dangerous trend.

Parents, teachers and carers must act together to protect young people from the long-term harms of nitrous oxide use. By raising awareness of the dangers and empowering young people to make decisions, we can make a difference.

Source: polizei-beratung.de

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