$Unique_ID{BRK00981}
$Pretitle{Community and Social Problems}
$Title{Nitrous Oxide Use by Adolescents}
$Subject{inhalor abuse whippets}
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Nitrous Oxide Use by Adolescents


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QUESTION:  Our adolescent son has taken to retiring to his room and spending
much time alone.  He also has begun to act funny, spaced out, and finally over
my protests, his father searched his rooms for drugs.  All we found were some
gray tubes that look like the ones used to put bubbles in water, for making
sodas.  Does this mean anything?  We are desperate for some information and
hope you will help us.

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ANSWER:  You were right in seeking answers for unusual behavior by searching
the room of your son.  Forget the guilt feelings, as you have found an
important clue that may help you counsel your son, and indeed, may save his
life.  You have discovered cylinders of nitrous oxide, or  Whippets, which are
used by many adolescents to gain a high.  This gas has a legitimate use as a
pre-ignition booster in auto racing, or as a propellant for whipping cream,
but is also frequently abused to provide a quick "hit", by inhaling the gas
either directly from the cylinder or from a balloon which has been inflated
with the nitrous oxide.  The intoxication can generate a feeling of
exhilaration, light-headedness and hallucinations.  The abuser's senses become
distorted, gradually become lost and with continued inhalation, a loss of
consciousness may occur.  The high rapidly disappears as normal room air or
oxygen is breathed, but prolonged exposure to the gas can result in coma,
seizures and even death.  When this gas is used, many of the skills and senses
needed for safe driving become impaired, accidents can occur with the real
cause going undetected.  In the long run both the bone marrow, and nervous
system can become affected.  Your course of action is clear.  You must
confront your son with your find, in a considerate and non-damning fashion,
offering him professional guidance rather than recriminations.  Inhalant abuse
is serious and dangerous, and you must act accordingly.  You took a courageous
first step, now follow through, in the best interests of your son and family.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
