‘NANG’ USE NO LAUGHING MATTER
Teenagers are inhaling nitrous oxide thinking it is just ‘something fun’, writes Chelsea Bunting, but in reality it is potentially fatal
TEENS looking for a quick high are turning to a cheap drug that can be bought from a convenience store. Small canisters of nitrous oxide, commonly known as nangs, are a popular inhalant used by young people.
The drug gives users a short high and makes them feel like they are “floating”, but experts have warned the side effects could be deadly. Jane, not her real name, was aged 15 when she first used a nang in a car with a group of friends.
The Highton woman says it was the first drug she tried after drinking alcohol.
“It’s seen as a little rebellious, but it’s not really as scary (as other drugs),” she says.
The now 21-year-old still uses the occasional nang when out drinking with friends.
“It’s just something fun,” Jane says.
“I get a bit giggly and lightheaded (when I use a nang).
“It makes you feel euphoric and quite spaced out.
“I’ve done ketamine before and it feels similar to that.”
Users insert a small silver canister filled with nitrous oxide into a charging device and then inhale the gas.
It causes a high that can last between 20 seconds and five minutes.
Jane says the effects of nangs are similar to other disassociation drugs, such as methoxetamine and ketamine, but are cheaper and easier to buy.
Nitrous oxide is legal and is commonly used by dentists as an anaesthetic and in the food industry to whip cream.
However, it is an offence to supply nangs to people who intend to use them for recreational purposes in Victoria under the
Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981.
The canisters, which are also advertised as cream chargers, can be bought at convenience stores, petrol stations and online, with some websites offering to deliver the drug within 24 hours.
One website advertised a pack of 50 nangs for $33.97 and users can buy up to 6000 canisters in one order.
Jane says nangs are more widely used by teenagers between the ages of 15 and 18 as they do not seem as “scary” as other substances because they are simply breathed in.
She said nangs are commonly used as a “quick fix” at festivals, in between taking other substances.
“They might be doing another drug and they do nangs in between as a quick come-up,” Jane said.
“If you go to a festival, you’ll see nangs all over the ground.
“I’ve been offered one (at a festival) for like $5 and you quickly do it on the spot.”
Jane says one of her friends even hallucinated while on nangs.
She saw a man’s face and was having a conversation with him.
“I didn’t know (hallucinating) could happen on nangs,” she said.
Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) chief executive Erin Lalor AM says regular or prolonged use of nangs could lead to memory loss, urinary incontinence, numbness in the hands and feet and even death.
“Inhaling nitrous oxide can be fatal if you don’t get enough oxygen, which is known as hypoxia,” she says.
In February this year, a Brisbane man drowned in a hotel spa on the Gold Coast after using nangs.
Dr Lalor says mixing nitrous oxide with other drugs or alcohol could lead to loss of body control and additional pressure put on the heart.
“The gas is so cold that it can cause frostbite to the nose, lips and throat, including vocal cords,” she says.
“As the gas is also under constant pressure, it can cause ruptures in lung tissue when inhaled.”
The foundation is calling for regulation around the amount of nitrous oxide that be bought in one transaction and how old people need to be in order to buy them.
“It’s important that there are evidence-based approaches to regulating nangs, that won’t risk making them more appealing to people, or lead to more harmful use,”
Dr Lalor says. “Availability and pricing are some of the key levers that can influence the use of drugs and associated harms.”
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently introduced requirements for nontherapeutic nitrous oxide products to be labelled with ‘poison’ and include warnings about the dangers of inhaling the substance.
The requirements came into effect from October 1 last year.
Barwon Health emergency services deputy director Dr Bruce Batley said the “rapid onset and offset” of the substance, which is unlike other inhalants, meant users are unlikely present to emergency if they experience serious side effects.
“The long-term neurological effects of nangs are more insidious so likely to prompt a GP or mental healthcare review or assessment,” he says.
“Nitrous oxide can cause serious side effects when used improperly or in high doses, such as oxygen deprivation, which can lead to brain damage or even death.”
When asked about the danger of young people using nangs, the Victorian Department of Health said: “We’re improving health and social outcomes for Victorians who are managing substance misuse and addiction issues, investing $313m in alcohol and drug services in the 2022- 23 Victorian Budget.”