STOCKIN

HIPPY CRACK

ARSENAL footie stars were embroiled in a “hippy crack” storm last week after it was reported they’d inhaled the gas from balloons at a pre- season party. But what is it? HIPPY crack is the common street name for nitrous oxide – also known as Balloons, Nos, Whippits, Laughing Gas, Chargers, Noz and Belchy Susan. IT comes in a metal canister which looks like the gas containers your gran used with her soda siphon. Users open the canister, transfer the gas into a container – usually a balloon – then inhale. TAKING nitrous oxide can cause feelings of euphoria, relaxation and calmness, fits of giggles and laughter – hence the nickname “laughing gas” – sound distortions and hallucinations. INHALATION of nitrous oxide for recreational use, with the purpose of causing euphoria and/ or slight hallucinations, began as a phenomenon for the British upper class in 1799, known as “laughing gas parties”. DURING the 19th century, philosopher and psychologist William James claimed to experience “the fusing of dichotomies into a unity and a revelation of ultimate truth” during the inhalation of it. THE gas has had a resurgence in popularity in recent years. As of 2014 in the UK, it was estimated to be used by almost half a million young people at nightspots, festivals and parties. WHILE the pure gas is not toxic, long- term use has been associated with a deficiency of vitamin B12 and its symptoms – anemia due to reduced haematopoiesis, neuropathy, tinnitus, and numbness in extremities. Oh, and strokes, blackouts, incontinence, chronic depression and stress on the heart. Apart from that, it’s harmless. Well, unless you’re pregnant. Or driving. RECREATIONAL use of nitrous oxide has killed 52 people since 1971. COUNCIL workers in Tower Hamlets picked up 1.2 million empty nitrous oxide canisters between August 2017 and January this year. ALTHOUGH it is illegal for the gas to be sold for human consumption, “food grade” nitrous oxide canisters – made to prolong the shelf life of whipped cream – are completely legal. TIGHTS FIT: Redhead shows off her pins in a pair of racy fishnets