PHOENIX — Experts are sounding the alarm on another trend on social media where teens are inhaling Galaxy Gas, canisters of nitrous oxide sold as a culinary product.
Inhaling these drugs can cause psychosis and even permanent brain damage due to oxygen deprivation, experts warn.
Galaxy Gas is nitrous oxide, something doctors say has the potential for both use and abuse and is commonly known as laughing gas. Dentists use it to help people relax and manage pain when they’re doing dental work.
But on the streets, it’s known as whippets, and it is inhaled.
The fast high is short-lasting, experts said.
Phoenix mom Dominica Rose said she has struggled with addiction for years and is now an advocate for recovery.
“I just kept digging myself deeper and deeper and numbing myself with substances and alcohol,” said Rose.
At one point, she battled with an addiction to drugs much stronger "before I could finally admit that I needed help,” Rose said.
Now, she is in a much better place in life and is committed to spreading the word about the dangers surrounding the new spin on the old drug that’s easily accessible.
“Recovery is amazing,” said Rose. “I never thought that I would say I want to go have fun sober… and that’s the coolest part.”
The flavored canisters from Galaxy Gas are showing up in thousands of videos across social media. Some even have flavors to appeal to teenagers.
“I do a lot of prevention education,” said Julio Saran, the project rewind program manager at notMYkid, a Valley youth drug and alcohol recovery and prevention organization.
He’s working to raise awareness about this latest trend.
“…to educate young people on some of the consequences that come with partaking in some of these activities,” said Saran.
According to doctors, huffing nitrous oxide comes with serious health risks, including seizures and irregular heart rates, and people who use the drug may experience hallucinations and bizarre behaviors.
In a worst-case scenario, it could be life-threatening for teens and young adults.
“We also recognize that not everybody unfortunately makes it out of these lifestyles,” Saran said. “…and so, our goal is to be able to support as many young people as possible, to make healthy choices.”
As for Galaxy Gas, after the product started trending on social media, the company placed a disclaimer on its website warning that it’s illegal to use its products as an inhalant. It’s supposed to be used in the kitchen for making cold brew coffees, desserts, and sauces.
Still, for moms like Rose, it’s something she’s trying to keep her kids aware of and away from with helpful organizations like notMykid.
“…for him to be able to have that third party or that third community to be able to reach out to …really cool,” Rose said.
Rose wants other parents to stay informed when it comes to the dangers associated with things like Galaxy Gas.
“Maybe the open mind may not just be for the parent to their child, but maybe it’s for the next-door neighbor,” said Rose.
Experts say in an emergency, where a person is suspected of using inhalants and they are unconscious, the first step is to administer CPR and then you should call 911 for help immediately.
If you or someone you know is misusing a nitrous oxide product, please call or text the Crisis Lifeline at 988 for assistance connecting with substance abuse resources.