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People know less about recreational nitrous oxide use than they think they do, new University of Otago–Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka research shows.
Nitrous oxide is a gas that can be inhaled to create short-lived psychoactive effects, such as euphoria, dissociation, and hallucinations. In Aotearoa New Zealand, it is illegal to sell, supply or possess the drug for recreational use.
Lead author Dr. Jai Whelan (Ngāi Te Rangi), a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Population Health (Ōtautahi) who completed his Ph.D. in the Department of Psychology, says the use of nitrous oxide for non-medical purposes has grown globally, as has harm resulting in hospitalizations.
“There was—and still is—very little information about its use in Aotearoa. We wanted to start filling that gap and assess what harms may be out there so that we can shape our harm reduction measures to improve the well-being of people who use drugs,” Dr. Whelan says.
The work is published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs.
Nearly 1,000 people aged 16-65 completed a national survey. Consumption practices, experiences of harm, and harm reduction behavior were investigated across 466 respondents, while nitrous oxide knowledge, perceptions of use, and views on legality were explored in an additional 510 people who did not use nitrous oxide.
“For most people who consume nitrous oxide, use is infrequent, in low doses, and mainly used in addition to other drugs,” Dr. Whelan says. “Harm was relatively uncommon.”
Most people (60.5%) who had used nitrous oxide reported knowing “a moderate amount” or more about the drug, but just 28.1% knew about its ability to inactivate the B12 vitamin.
The average age of first consumption was 19.4 years, the most common setting was house parties, and the majority of users inhaled the gas via a balloon (96.8%).
Under half of consumers (47.4%) experienced adverse effects—the most common were confusion (31.6%), cold burns (24%), and nausea (15.7%). Just under 6% said their nitrous oxide use had caused them harm.
A minority of people also reported feeling consistent numbness, which may have been caused by its impact on B12. This can signal rare but more serious harm, mostly associated with chronic and heavy use.
“We would recommend that if anyone experiences this or other sensory changes that remain after the drug has worn off, they should take a break from using nitrous oxide and seek medical attention.”
There was also little support for harsher penalties for recreational use among people who use and do not use nitrous oxide.
In September 2024, Health Minister Dr. Shane Reti announced the Government planned to restrict sales of nitrous oxide and supported the introduction of tougher penalties if sold for recreational purposes under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013.
Data for the Otago study was collected prior to this announcement, between May and December 2023.
“Our results show little cause for serious large-scale concern and point to some clear next steps around drug education,” Dr. Whelan says.
“Not all drug use leads to harm, and having more information can enable people to make informed choices about drug use and protect their well-being.”
More information:
Jai Whelan et al, Consuming and Thinking About Nangs: A Survey of Nitrous Oxide Use, Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions in Aotearoa New Zealand, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs (2025). DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2025.2452224
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Study shows many don’t know about the unexpected negative effects of nitrous oxide use (2025, January 22)
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