Hidden Dangers of Galaxy Gas: What You Should Know

A recent shift in recreational drug use has seen substances such as inhalants becoming common. One of these, “Galaxy Gas”, is mostly thought of as a “fun” or “safe route” to get that quick high. Yet risks with Galaxy Gas can be much more dangerous and more insidious than people realize. In this blog, we will discuss the dangerous nature of Galaxy Gas, understand why they often get overlooked and offer a few tips for anyone in need of help.

What is Galaxy Gas?

Nitrous oxide also called galaxy gas or laughing gas, and has been used as an anesthetic in medical settings. In many places, nitrous oxide is legal and is often easy to get a hold of, via canisters or ‘whippets’, which are intended for whipping cream.

Its short-term effects combined with this accessibility make Galaxy Gas popular as a recreational inhalant – especially among young people. Many users experience euphoria and giggles, both of which mask the potential risks, which carry serious health consequences.

Why the Dangers of Galaxy Gas Often Go Unnoticed

The reason why Galaxy Gas is used casually is because of its being legal and accessible. Galaxy Gas is often seen as a “harmless” drug relative to hard drugs where it lacks the trademark, severe physical withdrawal effects that hard drugs such as heroin and methamphetamine have. This can lead users to believe they are safe from addiction or harm. However, if the effects of the substance are short-lived, easy to use, and are perceived to be mild, a false sense of safety is created.

The fact that most users do not experience any recognizable health issues immediately causes many to overlook that there are any risks at all. The cumulative effects of Galaxy Gas mean that used daily, it will harm your lungs in the long term, but the pain won’t be apparent until the damage is severe. This is also because Galaxy Gas is usually used in a social setting so users will downplay its risk for the sake of shared experience.

Short-Term Effects and Immediate Risks

Galaxy Gas affects the central nervous system as soon as it’s inhaled. The euphoria, laughter, and relaxation are very rapid and very short-lived, lasting only a few minutes. Dizziness, slurred speech, and mild hallucinations are among the effects which users may experience. While Galaxy Gas has these short-term effects that make it appealing, they have some pretty serious risks associated with it.

Immediate Physical Risks

Galaxy Gas produces a euphoric “high” that can cause coordination problems and impairment of judgment. As it can lead to accidents and injuries especially when it is being used in high-risk places like clubs and parties. In more severe cases inhaling nitrous oxide can cause asphyxia, which results when the brain and body don’t get enough oxygen. The Galaxy Gas risk is even greater when the product is used in large quantities or without sufficient ventilation.

Psychological Effects

The quick and massive high from Galaxy Gas isn’t just physically dangerous; it can also quickly create a psychological dependency. Users can quickly become emotionally hooked on the feelings that Galaxy Gas gives them, leading them to get hooked on the product and using often and ultimately become addicted. These effects are so quick to wear off and users are often forced to take Galaxy Gas more than once to hit the high, which can be lethal.

Long-Term Risks of Galaxy Gas Use

While Galaxy Gas may seem harmless in small doses, regular use can have serious, lasting effects on the body, particularly the nervous system and brain. Vitamin B12 is important for nerve health and nitrous oxide depletes it. Eventually, this can result in severe nerve damage and will affect your ability to move, coordinate, and feel.

Neurological and Physical Health Risks

For this reason, long-term galaxy gas abuse can destroy the brain and spinal cord resulting in pain, muscle weakness, and poor memory. It also can interfere with the body’s production of red blood cells, raising the likelihood of anemia. Galaxy Gas can also damage the lungs, heart, and liver, and it may not appear until the damage is significant.

Cognitive Impairment

Prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide can cause cognitive impairment, including memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and problem-solving. These symptoms tend to develop slowly so users may suffer the harm they are doing to their cognitive health at a considerable measure without knowing it. However, due to this hidden nature, such damage is particularly dangerous for those who use Galaxy Gas often.

Symptoms or signs of Dependence and Addiction

Galaxy Gas has too much addictive potential, underestimated by many. As a “mild” or “safe” drug, many users do not recognize the signs of dependency because they don’t think it can be addictive. But, nitrous oxide addiction is a real thing and hard to over than any other substance use disorder.

Symptoms of Dependency – Increased cravings, compulsion to use it socially and privately, and withdrawal symptoms when it’s not available. If users find themselves prioritizing Galaxy Gas over responsibilities and relationships it shows it is substance addiction. Other symptoms that you may experience when you don’t use Galaxy Gas include mood swings, irritability, and anxiety.

Legal Implications and Consequences

Galaxy Gas is freely available, yet recreational use of it is prohibited in large regions. The public inhalation of nitrous oxide either while driving or not, can constitute a legal consequence, and possession with the intent to inhale is considered to be a drug misuse. Furthermore, without other legal uses for recreational inhalation purposes other than medical and industrial use, nitrous oxide can be fined or penalized wherever laws are strict for recreational purposes.

How to Seek Help for Galaxy Gas Addiction

If you, or someone you know, is addicted to Galaxy Gas, you must get help from a professional. Recovery from inhalant addiction can be difficult without help and recovery usually involves a combination of detox, counseling, and behavioral therapy. Individuals can receive professional support to help them identify triggers, learn coping strategies, and practice healthier behaviors.

Treatment for Galaxy Galaxy gas addiction – Therapies available for those with an inhalant addiction include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), group therapy, and motivational counseling. In other words, these treatments teach those individuals why they are addicted, what the risks of inhalant abuse are, and how to develop a true recovery from the addiction.

Get Help at Orlando Treatment Solutions

At Orlando Treatment Solutions, we offer evidence-based addiction treatment programs that are individually tailored to meet each person’s needs in a compassionate and personalized atmosphere. Our therapies are aimed at dealing with the physical as well as the psychological causes of addiction so that clients can reclaim their lives from substance dependency.

Get the support you deserve, don’t wait. Start your journey towards recovery, and contact Orlando Treatment Solutions today.