No Laughing Matter: ‘Laughing Gas’ Addiction In Singapore

Recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O) or ‘laughing gas’ inhalation is a common phenomenon in countries like UK and US where it is associated with music festivals and parties. However, as far as we know, recreational N2Ouse in Singapore has hitherto not been reported in the press or scientific journals. We report the first case of N2O use and addiction in a young Singaporean male who was introduced to it by a friend from a Western country where its use is prevalent. Methods: A 20-year-old Singaporean male with an existing psychiatric diagnosis of Major Depression presented with a 3-year history of solitary regular N2O inhalation that escalated from infrequent low dose use to the daily highdose use which he was unable to control. He exhibited symptoms of dependence, which included preoccupation, tolerance, withdrawal, craving and difficulty in cutting down. No major adverse medical complications were noted. Results: The patient was assessed to have Nitrous Oxide Dependence and was given regular individual counselling sessions with a trained addictions counsellor to motivate him to cut down his use in the short-term and to stop completely in the longer term. Conclusion: This case highlights not only the first reported case of N2Ouse and dependence in Singapore but also the first case seen in a Singapore national addictions treatment facility. Doctors, families, schools, and the community in general need to be aware of, and be prepared for, this practice that has come to Singapore and the region. While extant literature suggests that dependence is uncommon, we report the first case that clearly demonstrated psychological dependence. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 18 (1): January – June 2017: XX XX

Death Related to Nitrous Oxide Abuse: Two Cases Report / 대한법의학회지

Nitrous oxide is medically used as an anesthetic gas and as an additive in whipped cream production. Few cases of death from nitrous oxide intoxication have been reported in Korea. However, fatalities due to inhalation of pure nitrous oxide in an amount enough to cause death have been recently increasing. We report two cases of death related to nitrous oxide abuse with a review of literature focusing on the fact that nitrous oxide abuse can be considered as a possible cause of death if appliances with nitrous oxide contents were found during the investigation, and the autopsy and toxicological findings cannot be attributed to nitrous oxide intoxication.

Inhalant abuse- A rising public health problem.

These days inhalant abuse is common in both rural and urban settings. Laymen and professionals alike are negligent of this abuse. It is widely seen in children and can sometimes follow into adulthood too. Children try it out initially due to their anxiousness but later on get addicted to it. Parents are more worried about their children being exposed to drugs like cocaine and marijuana. But the fact is that children are more addicted to the inhalants that are commonly found in household things. Even a single episode of inhalant abuse can result in serious health problems. It can seriously impair the vital organs like heart, brain and kidneys. Repeated abuse is seen due to the elated feel that they experience after its use that resembles alcohol consumption. It produces initial excitation, drowsiness, disinhibiting, wooziness and agitation. In order to prolong the period of intoxication, they abuse repeatedly which in severe cases can even lead to death. Other causes of death can be due to suffocation, seizures, and coma or due to choking. Detoxification programs along with proper support and care from the family and friends will help the abusers to bring back the lost colour in their life. A systemic review of various electronic bibliographic by utilizing suitable search terms were used to obtain the data.