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Recent use of nitrous oxide among people who regularly use ecstasy in Adelaide, South Australia, 2003-2019

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Author: Antonia Karlsson and Amy Peacock

Resource Type: Drug Trends Bulletins

Nitrous oxide, a colourless gas used for the purpose of sedation and pain relief, is also a food additive when used as a propellant for whipped cream. This inhalant is also used by people for intoxication purposes, typically by releasing nitrous gas cartridges into another object, such as a balloon, or otherwise directly into the mouth. It is concerning that there has been little research on the patterns of use and harms associated with its continued use. The aim of this bulletin is to describe trends in nitrous oxide use amongst a sample of people in Adelaide, South Australia who had recently used ecstasy and other stimulants between 2003 and 2019.