CHECK Magazin - Gesundheitsmagazin für Männer No.16

Chemsex
DEAD FUNNY?
Nitrous oxide is better known as laughing or
happy gas. It is used as a propellant in aerosol
cans or as a foaming agent in cream dispenser
capsules. When inhaled through the mouth or
nose, the colourless, slightly sweet-smelling gas
has an anaesthetic and analgesic effect after just
a few seconds, which is why it is used in medicine,
for example by dentists. However, it is also
becoming increasingly popular as a recreational
drug, especially among young people. With fatal
consequences: while professionals pay attention
to exact dosage when using it for medical purposes,
the motto when using it as a party drug is
more is more. The high only lasts a few minutes,
so large quantities are inhaled from balloons or
cream dispenser cartridges to stay intoxicated.
Relaxation and euphoria
Exactly how laughing gas works is not quite clear,
but it is said to influence the basis of structure-function
relationships in the brain.
Part of the intoxication effect may be
due to the resulting lack of oxygen.
Users feel relaxed and report
mild euphoria. Perception and
the sense of space and time
change and the effects are
described as dream-like or
psychedelic. Sounds great!
So what’s the problem?
High risk of accident
Regular and heavy use can cause nerve damage,
explains Rüdiger from the Berlin Emergency Drug
Service (Drogen Notdienst). The lack of oxygen
can lead to irreparable damage to the brain. There
is also a risk of unwanted interactions with other
intoxicants in the case of mixed consumption.
Driving while under the influence of nitrous oxide
is a major problem in the Netherlands, where
63 people have died in accidents involving nitrous
oxide consumption since 2019.
Education yes – Posing no
In some late-night shops in Berlin, nitrous oxide is
sold as a party treat – one way to help here would
be providing information on the packaging like on
cigarette packets, says Rüdiger. The posing culture
in social media also needs to be viewed more
critically: tests of courage or battles to see who can
consume the most are life-threatening. (ek)
SAFER USE:
• Never inhale directly from the gas
cylinder or capsule, as it can lead to
icing damage (burns or frostbite) to
the mouth, face, larynx or lung tissue.
• Due to the risk of injury, only consume
while sitting or lying down.
• Be careful with mixed consumption,
especially with downers such as alcohol.
• Take breaks, preferably in the fresh air.
• In case of numbness: See a doctor immediately
and report N2O consumption!
You can find help and more information
at www.drogennotdienst.de.
In an emergency, call 112 immediately.
Foto: ©Anna Shvets
31 CHECK MAG #16