Laughing gas, people crying.

Medlatec Tay Ho Polyclinic ( Hanoi ) recently admitted a 20-year-old male patient with numbness and tingling in all four limbs, loss of sensation in both legs, and weakness in movement. His medical history revealed that he had been using nitrous oxide (laughing gas) frequently – more than 50 balloons per session – for six months. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed cervical spinal cord damage, typical of neuroleptic syndrome caused by nitrous oxide.

According to Military Hospital 175 , in the past month alone, they have received three cases of severe central nervous system damage related to nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Some cases involved loss of speech, behavioral disorders, and muscle spasms. The patients, aged 18-28, were highly educated and had used the gas multiple times in recreational settings or purchased it online.

Laughing gas is balloons filled with nitrous oxide (N₂O) – a colorless, odorless compound. When inhaled, this gas affects the nervous system, causing euphoria, uncontrolled laughter and speech, and even hallucinations. According to the Ministry of Health , N₂O gas is used under controlled conditions in medicine and industry according to international standards. However, when abused, this gas can cause serious harm to physical and mental health, especially in young people.

Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan, a specialist in Neurology at Medlatec Tay Ho, stated: “Prolonged exposure to N₂O gas inactivates vitamin B12, causing spinal cord damage. Early signs often include numbness in the hands and feet. If not detected promptly, severe nerve damage can lead to very slow or no recovery.”

Besides neurological damage, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) causes many less recognized consequences: emotional disturbances, anxiety, persistent hallucinations, memory loss, and poor concentration. Some people describe feeling "alternating between lucidity and delirium," "living as if it's not real," and even paranoia and dangerous behavior. These are signs of N₂O dependence – a condition not unlike addiction to hallucinogenic substances.

From January 1st, 2025, Resolution No. 173/2024/QH15 of the National Assembly officially came into effect, clearly stipulating that N₂O gas (laughing gas) is prohibited for recreational use. Furthermore, acts of producing, storing, transporting, and selling laughing gas for recreational purposes will be severely punished according to the law.

In reality, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is still available at many entertainment venues in major cities. The gas cylinders are pre-filled into balloons and sold openly to customers – even with delivery services available through social media platforms. On some central streets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, ordering nitrous oxide balloons remains easy.

It is also important to emphasize that public awareness of the consequences of laughing gas remains ambiguous. Many young people believe it is just "a fun game" or "harmless laughing gas," not a drug, and therefore nothing to worry about.

According to neurologists and psychiatrists, this idea is extremely dangerous. Laughing gas doesn't cause immediate addiction like heroin or methamphetamine, but it creates a feeling of euphoria and rapid dependence, easily leading to increased doses and frequent use. This condition can develop silently for months before noticeable neurological damage symptoms appear.

More worryingly, many cases of severe injury occur among young people who are well-off, knowledgeable, and have even read about the harmful effects, yet still use nitrous oxide and believe they can control it. But by the time their bodies react, it is often too late for recovery. To prevent the abuse of nitrous oxide, health experts suggest a multi-layered strategy: strict control of N₂O gas sources, management of entertainment venues, and increased public awareness campaigns using real-life stories and consequences.

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Source: https://baolaocai.vn/bong-cuoi-nguoi-khoc-post650157.html