Teens, young adults, and others may experiment with mind-altering drugs for many reasons. People may want to fit in with their peers or feel curious about a substance’s effects. In recent years, Galaxy Gas use has risen among young people. This dangerous substance may be legally sold in convenience stores and gas stations.

Galaxy Gas’s widespread legal accessibility can make it seem harmless, but this is false. It has the potential to cause serious short—and long-term effects.

But what exactly is Galaxy Gas? This article will explore this legal substance and its effects. You will learn:

  • What Galaxy Gas is
  • Why people abuse Galaxy Gas
  • How to recognize Galaxy Gas abuse and addiction
  • What to expect in treatment for Galaxy Gas addiction
  • Where to find comprehensive treatment and support

If you or someone you love abuses Galaxy Gas or struggles with substance abuse, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at First Step Behavioral Health to learn about our comprehensive treatment and recovery programs. You may contact us with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is Galaxy Gas?

Galaxy Gas is a brand of flavored nitrous oxide. It comes in colorful containers in a range of flavors. The manufacturers of Galaxy Gas advertise this product for culinary use to infuse whipped cream and other foods with flavors.

However, Galaxy Gas has become notorious on social media. Thousands of posts and videos show users inhaling nitrous oxide to get high.

Galaxy Gas manufacturers advertise it as a food product. It is available in mass retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and many other stores, and people of all ages may purchase and use it.

“Whippets” is a term people use to describe inhaling pure nitrous oxide. This practice has been common for decades. Galaxy Gas is simply a new form of whippets. Its widespread availability and popularity on social media may increase the risk to people, especially adolescents and teens, who may not understand the risks of whippets.

Understanding Galaxy Gas Abuse

Nitrous oxide is legal for use in a medical setting. People may receive “laughing gas” at the dentist to reduce anxiety and pain sensations during procedures. It is also common in many household products, including whipped cream chargers.

Galaxy Gas is the brand name for flavored, food-grade nitrous oxide canisters. The manufacturers market Galaxy Gas as a way to create flavored creams and other food products. For instance, people can use a Galaxy Gas canister to add alternative flavors to vanilla cupcakes or other plain dishes.

However, people may use Galaxy Gas for recreational purposes. People who abuse Galaxy Gas may inhale the gas directly from the canister. They may also fill balloons or other containers with the gas and “huff” it.

When misusing nitrous oxide, people may experience pleasurable, short-term effects. To sustain these effects, they may inhale it many times in a short period.

Misusing nitrous oxide products can have serious, potentially fatal effects. It is essential to understand the dangers of nitrous oxide abuse and seek treatment if you cannot stop using it on your own.

Side Effects and Risks of Galaxy Gas

When people receive nitrous oxide in a medical setting, they also receive oxygen. This prevents oxygen deprivation and other harmful effects. When people abuse Galaxy Gas or other sources, they typically inhale pure nitrous oxide.

People who abuse nitrous oxide from whipped cream dispensers and other sources may experience effects similar to alcohol. Common side effects of nitrous oxide abuse include:

  • Euphoria
  • A feeling of disconnection from your body
  • Decreased perception of pain

Other potential adverse side effects and risks of nitrous oxide abuse include:

  • Fainting
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Blurry vision
  • Slurred speech
  • Headaches
  • Tingling sensations
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Delusions

Nitrous oxide abuse can have serious, long-term physical and mental health effects. The long-term effects of nitrous oxide abuse include:

  • Depression
  • Psychosis
  • Brain damage
  • Muscle loss
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Bone marrow damage 
  • Liver, kidney, and other organ damage
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • A loss of coordination
  • Ringing in the ears or hearing loss
  • Heart rate changes
  • Breathing trouble
  • Lack of oxygen
  • Loss of bladder and bowel control

Research suggests that ongoing nitrous oxide abuse may cause symptoms of addiction, including:

  • Tolerance (needing to use more to get the desired effects)
  • Cravings
  • Inability to control substance use
  • Withdrawal symptoms if someone stops using it

People who cannot stop using nitrous oxide on their own must seek substance abuse treatment.

Treatment for Galaxy Gas Abuse

People who develop symptoms of addiction to nitrous oxide must seek treatment as soon as they recognize a problem. Treatment for nitrous oxide abuse and addiction may include:

Comprehensive treatment programs can help people identify and address the complex roots of their substance use. This treatment can allow people to move forward and avoid relapse in the future.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love abuses Galaxy Gas or other substances, treatment and support are available at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

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