Galaxy Gas: Treatment Options For Nitrous Oxide Addiction

Imagine a quick thrill that’s cheap, legal, and lurking in kitchens everywhere. This is the allure of “Galaxy Gas,” a street name for nitrous oxide. Also known as “laughing gas,” “nos,” or simply “whippets,” nitrous oxide was once limited to doctors’ offices and restaurants. Now it’s trending among teens and young adults for its intense but short-lived high. Praesum Healthcare is here to shed light on the risks of this so-called “safe” high and provide real solutions for those struggling with nitrous oxide addiction.

Galaxy Gas: The New Fast High Taking Over

Nitrous oxide has been around for centuries as a mild anesthetic used by dentists and doctors to relax patients. But when young people inhale it, they experience a fleeting wave of euphoria—an “almost out-of-body experience” with effects that can last only a few seconds. It’s this intense yet temporary high that keeps people coming back, often unaware of the serious risks involved. To them, it’s cheap, legal, and harmless. But it’s far from harmless.

Why Galaxy Gas Is No Laughing Matter

The high from nitrous oxide may seem fun and harmless, but the risks are real. It’s commonly inhaled directly from small whipped cream canisters or balloons, delivering an intense but short-lived euphoria. However, users risk much more than they bargained for:

• Short-term effects: Lightheadedness, giddiness, and a strange sense of detachment are common, but the danger kicks in with the gas’s impact on oxygen levels. A single dose that’s too high can cause hypoxia, leading to fainting, seizures, or even death.

• Long-term damage: Repeated use can result in vitamin B12 deficiency, nerve damage, numbness in limbs, and lasting cognitive issues.

• Psychological effects: Beyond the physical, nitrous oxide abuse can lead to dependence, anxiety, and even psychosis.

Is Nitrous Oxide Use Illegal?

While nitrous oxide is legal for medical and food-related uses, it’s illegal to sell it for inhalation purposes in many states. However, accessibility remains high, making it a particularly risky temptation for young people. Restrictions are in place in some states, such as age limits in California and Arizona. Louisiana has banned its recreational use entirely. Still, the presence of nitrous oxide in ordinary household items like whipped cream canisters keeps it within easy reach.

How Evolve Recovery Center and Praesum Healthcare Tackles Nitrous Oxide Addiction

At Evolve Recovery Center, we understand the need for treatment options that address not just the physical effects of nitrous oxide but also its deep psychological hold on users. Along with our other Praesum centers, we’re helping individuals move beyond the cycle of addiction and reclaim their health and well-being.

Here’s how our continuum of care helps:

• Safe, medically supervised detox at Sunrise Detox: For those beginning their recovery journey, a medically supervised detox can be essential. Sunrise Detox provides 24/7 care in a safe and welcoming environment, ensuring that clients are supported through withdrawal and any associated health concerns.

• Intensive Residential Treatment at Evolve Recovery Center: Evolve offers a structured, supportive environment for those needing time away to focus on healing. Clients receive a combination of behavioral therapy, counseling, and wellness programs in a comfortable setting where they can concentrate on their recovery without outside distractions.

• Flexible Outpatient Care at The Counseling Center: For individuals who need flexibility, The Counseling Center provides various levels of outpatient care, including IOP, OP, and PHP, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. This allows clients to continue working on their recovery while maintaining daily responsibilities.

• Comprehensive Therapy and Mental Health Support: Each of our programs employs evidence-based therapies to help clients understand the root causes of their substance use and develop healthy, sustainable coping skills. For those dealing with mental health challenges alongside addiction, we provide integrated care to ensure all aspects of wellness are addressed.

• Aftercare Planning for Long-Term Success: Recovery is an ongoing journey, and Praesum Healthcare offers robust aftercare planning to provide clients with the resources and support they need after treatment. Our goal is to equip individuals with the tools to maintain a healthy, substance-free lifestyle.

Ready to Take the First Step Toward Recovery?

If you or someone you care about is struggling with nitrous oxide addiction, know that help is available. Praesum Healthcare’s experienced team is here to provide compassionate, professional support to guide individuals through substance use recovery. For a confidential consultation, call us at 888-369-7727 anytime, day or night. Recovery from Galaxy Gas and other substances is possible, and we’re here to help make it a reality.