AS NITROUS oxide becomes more commonly used, we look at what the drug is and why the rise in usage is causing concern.

1. What is nitrous oxide?

Commonly referred as 'nos' nitrous oxide is a colourless chemical compound that is prepared by heating ammonium nitrate.

The gas has a few legitimate purposes such as numbing pain in medical procedures, increasing the power output of engines an even in whipping cream - unfortunately it is often misused as way to get 'high'.

2. Is nitrous oxide illegal?

In terms of the drugs legality, punishments for use of psychoactive substances such as nitrous oxide have become clearer since the Psychoactive Substances Act was passed.

A spokeswoman from Gloucestershire Police said this of the drug: "Selling a psychoactive substance to someone is potentially a criminal offence

"The Psychoactive Substances Act placed very clear restrictions on the sale of psychoactive substances and we are committed to enforcing the law and keeping people safe from the harm they can cause.”

3. How do people take nitrous oxide?

The gas that has been nicknamed 'laughing gas' or 'nos' is usually inhaled via a balloon after it is discharged from a nitrous oxide cannister or bulb, this has a euphoric effect on some users.

 

Used nitrous oxide balloons found at the Dark Mills buildings in Brimscombe.

4. What effect does nitrous oxide have on users?

Richard Chadwick from Public Health England said: "The high from nitrous oxide doesn’t last very long, it causes dizziness, confusion, loss of coordination, sound distortions and hallucinations."

He also explained that the ingredients vary across batches of the drug which means that effects can be dangerous. Worryingly, the long-term harms are still largely unknown.

Taking too much of the drug can lead to fainting or an accident - these problems are made worse when drinking alcohol with the gas.

5. How can the use of the drug be prevented ?

To combat the risks, Richard said that users should be equipped with the knowledge and support that they need to make positive choices in relation to their health.

Police officers are committed to enforcing the law and keeping people safe from the harm they can cause, so anyone found to be selling the gas could be arrested.

To find out more about the drug visit talktofrank.com/drug/nitrous-oxide