Kids are inhaling "Galaxy Gas' to get high. Here's some tips for parents

The "Galaxy Gas" Trend Whipping Up

For some teenagers who are young, one of the most popular methods for experiencing a high quickly is by misusing laughing gas. lately, this comes in the form of nitrous oxygen from products offered via the business Galaxy Gas or Cosmic Gas.

These are the company's whipped cream chargers specifically designed for use in cooking, such as cold drinks, desserts sauces, and much other. A whipped cream maker is nitrous-oxygen-filled stainless-steel device that, upon dispensing, aids in making various ingredients and cream to transform into a whipped state, in the words of company. In the absence of a food component in the canister, dispensing the charger only releases Nitrous oxide.

Nitrous oxide misuse -- also known as "doing whippets," as older adults call it -- isn't something new according to the Dr. Gail Saltz, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry and psychology at Weill Cornell Medical College at Cornell University and associate attending psychiatrist at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

However, the practice is "rapidly rising" throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, according to an investigation published in March. Also, there is an increase in the number users of laughing gas: In the age group of 16 to 24 in Britain -- where possession is now prohibited -- nitrous oxide usage was second only behind cannabis usage in 2020. In addition, increases in the use of the gas in the Netherlands have been caused by an increase in the amount of children being admitted to hospitals with neurological complaints.

The teen years are often a period of a heightened mixture of interest as well as competition from peers, the need to try new things or be considered unacceptable, the wish to be included in a group, mood disorders and other stresses that teens might want to escape from, Saltz said.

"All those things can motivate a teen toward trying a substance that makes them high," she added. Additionally "the route toward exposure of course is vastly expanded because of social media."

TikTok, for one, has a new policy that prohibits users from accessing any content that would result from searching "Galaxy Gas or Cosmic Gas" on its platform. It does this by sending users to helplines as well as information on the consequences of misuse of substances. However, videos that bypass restrictions on censorship by leaving out certain letters of the tag get millions of views. (It's important to note that some videos on social media tagged "Galaxy Gas" depict nitrous oxide from different brands.)

Although the items themselves aren't nefarious, the availability of flavors that are different can be a draw for kids, Saltz said.

The illegal use of the nitrous oxide product poses serious health hazards, said a Galaxy Gas spokesperson in a statement.

"Galaxy Gas products are for responsible culinary use only, and we are deeply concerned about the recent news reports and social media posts of individuals illegally misusing our products," the spokesperson of the company said. Therefore, Galaxy Gas has paused all sales of its whipped cream chargers at this time.

"Both our terms of use and conditions of sale strictly prohibit unlawful use, misuse or appeal to children," the spokesperson said. "If you or someone you know is misusing a nitrous oxide product, please call or text the Crisis Lifeline at 988 for assistance connecting with substance abuse resources."

Here's what parents should know about the dangers, the indications that your child is using such products, and how you can be a good role model for them regarding use of substances and trends in social media.

There are dangers to using nitrous oxide improperly

The initial purpose of nitrous Oxide is for use in medical settings, such as the relaxation of patients undergoing dentist procedures Saltz said.

In this context, "it's usually administered as a combination of oxygen with nitrous oxide, not pure nitrous oxide, and regulated under a setting," Saltz stated. "It's administered in a slow way ... therefore it's not totally destroying the oxygen flow you'd normally receive. It's also not a rush of it."

However, inhaling rapid blasts pure nitrous dioxide, it replaces your oxygen intake, which could result in loss of consciousness or heart attack, being weak, loss of coordination headaches, nausea seizures and vomiting, Saltz said. Other potential risks include brain damage, anemia, nerve damage and paralysis. Vitamin B12 deficiency as well as nitrous oxide dependency.

A misuse of nitrogen dioxide can be fatal. The much exposure is required to suffer the risk is contingent on the quantity and the person.

Instruct your kids about the dangers of using substances

Because of the dangers of the dangers, it's imperative that parents engage in ongoing, open discussions with children about the dangers of nitrous oxide and substances in general, Saltz said.

"Most parents just think their kid doesn't know or won't discover, because that's their wish," Saltz said. "But truthfully, by the time the child is tween, there is every possibility that they are being exposed to these things and are aware, and someone else around them is also taking part. Therefore, it's not wise to think that if you don't speak about it to them, they'll never know about the issue and never come across it.'"

Engaging them in conversations before they reach the teens, instead of waiting until they are in high school which is the norm -- is best and will not lead the use of drugs, Saltz said.

Always start with questions instead of a lecture that may result in children tuning out, she added. They could be: Have you heard about this? What do you know, consider and feel about it? What do you see on social media concerning this? Are any of your friends doing this?

The discussion should be interactive, but you should discuss your concerns and provide answers to the same questions Saltz added. Make sure they are aware that the videos they view of teenagers having fun while putting laughing gas is just one part of the puzzle that doesn't highlight the harm these practices can cause. And the fact that these effects don't occur to everyone, it does not mean it will never happen to them. Encourage your child to come with you before attempting something they've seen on the internet.

Be sure to let them know that you're always available to talk or respond to questions. And if they or their friends have to confront a challenging situation, you will always aid first and ask further questions, Saltz said.

Evidence that your child may be using nitrous Oxide could be evidenced by empty canisters in their room and a sudden burst of laughter. inexplicably and bizarrely euphoric mood without knowing where their money has gone, and spending time with kids who have similar problems, Saltz said. Other indicators could be a decline in academic or athletic performance, or a preference that is unusual to be alone.

If your kid innocuously requests that the family purchase a whip cream charger, or you notice that the one you have is missing, these are indicators to look out for.

"If you think your child is regularly using anything," she explained, "taking them to a (mental health) professional is a good idea -- somebody who has experience in substance use or abuse, because just asking your child to stop may not be possible."