A mother whose teenage son was left unable to walk independently after abusing nitrous oxide has spoken out to warn other parents about the serious and often underestimated dangers of the drug, commonly known as laughing gas. Her story comes amid growing concern among Irish medical professionals about a sharp rise in spinal cord injuries linked to the recreational use of nitrous oxide, particularly among young people.
Speaking anonymously, the woman described how her family was unaware of the extent of her son’s drug use until he was hospitalised with severe neurological symptoms. What initially appeared to be minor balance issues quickly escalated into a life-altering medical emergency.
“We didn’t realise what was going on until he ended up in hospital,” she said. “By the time we understood how serious it was, the damage had already been done.”
How Nitrous Oxide Can Cause Severe Nerve Damage
Nitrous oxide is often perceived as a relatively harmless substance, especially when compared to drugs such as cocaine or ecstasy. However, medical experts warn that chronic or long-term use can have devastating consequences.
Repeated exposure to nitrous oxide interferes with the body’s ability to absorb and process vitamin B12, an essential nutrient for nerve health. When B12 levels drop significantly, users can develop a neurological condition known as subacute combined degeneration (SACD) of the spinal cord.
SACD damages the spinal cord and peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as:
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Difficulty with balance and coordination
- Muscle weakness
- An abnormal or unstable walking pattern
In severe cases, the condition can result in what is sometimes referred to as “floppy leg syndrome”, where individuals experience extreme weakness, paralysis, or an inability to walk.
A Sudden Decline in Mobility
The mother described how her son’s health deteriorated rapidly. He began losing sensation in his feet and fingers, and his walk became noticeably unstable.
“At first, it was just a bit of stumbling,” she said. “Then his legs started to look floppy when he walked. Eventually, he couldn’t walk at all.”
At the height of his illness, her son had no feeling in his extremities and was completely unable to walk. Although intensive medical treatment has helped him regain some mobility, the recovery remains uncertain.
“He’s back on his feet now, but he can’t walk unaided,” she explained. “It’s a long road to recovery. They don’t know if he’ll ever be 100%.”
For the family, the uncertainty has been emotionally exhausting. Each day serves as a reminder of how a drug widely viewed as “safe” caused irreversible harm.
A Warning to Other Parents
Following her family’s ordeal, the woman has chosen to share her story publicly to ensure other parents are aware of the risks.
“It’s important for parents to see this and understand what’s going on,” she said. “We all fear cocaine, grass, and hash. We all talk about those drugs. But this is another fear that should be highlighted.”
She stressed that many parents may not realise their children are using nitrous oxide, as it is often consumed discreetly and does not carry the same stigma as other substances.
Signs of Nitrous Oxide Abuse to Watch For
The mother urged parents to familiarise themselves with the paraphernalia associated with nitrous oxide use, which can provide early warning signs.
Nitrous oxide is typically inhaled using balloons, which are filled from metal canisters. Warning signs may include:
- Balloons found in pockets, bags, cars, or bedrooms
- Small white plastic caps removed from canisters
- Silver metal canisters, ranging from small cartridges to large tanks
“There’s not a day I go out where I don’t see canisters on football pitches, in ditches, or on the side of the road,” she said. “Once you know what you’re looking for, you see them everywhere.”
She added that after her experience, she can sometimes identify users by their gait alone.
“I can spot a person abusing it by the way they walk now. It’s horrible to watch, knowing what could be coming for them.”
Growing Medical Concern in Ireland
Her warning comes as new research highlights a worrying trend in Ireland. A recent study conducted at Beaumont Hospital found a significant increase in young people being diagnosed with spinal cord damage linked to nitrous oxide use.
Doctors involved in the research reported a noticeable spike in cases since the Covid-19 pandemic. They attributed the rise to the drug’s low cost, easy availability, and the widespread misconception that it is harmless.
Healthcare professionals warn that while some nerve damage may be reversible if caught early, delayed treatment can result in permanent disability.
Easy Access and Limited Regulation
Investigations by journalists have shown that nitrous oxide can be easily purchased within Ireland, including large canisters advertised on online classified websites. This lack of restriction has raised alarm among addiction specialists and community workers.
Trevor Bissett of the Clondalkin Drug and Alcohol Task Force said controlling availability is key.
“Everything we know about drugs and alcohol tells us that you need to control supply,” he said. “And this one has no limitations around it at all.”
In the UK, the problem has been recognised for several years, leading the government to criminalise possession of nitrous oxide in 2023.
Political and Legal Response in Ireland
The issue has been raised repeatedly in the Dáil Éireann. Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan confirmed that under the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010, the sale of nitrous oxide for human consumption is already illegal.
However, he acknowledged that further regulation may be considered, while also noting the need to protect legitimate uses of the substance in medical and industrial settings.
Authorities have also recognised that large quantities are being imported for non-legitimate purposes. The Revenue Commissioners have seized approximately 250,000 kilograms of nitrous oxide canisters, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Support and Help Available
Health officials stress that early intervention is critical. Anyone concerned about nitrous oxide use is encouraged to seek professional advice.
For the mother at the centre of this story, sharing her experience is about preventing other families from enduring the same pain.
“If this stops one parent from going through what we’re going through, then it’s worth it,” she said.
