The consumption of the drug known as “laughing gas” among young people worries in the United Kingdom – Telam

8.7% of 16-24 year olds said they had consumed nitrous oxide in the past 12 months, which equates to around 549,000 people.

British Home Secretary Priti Patel on Friday expressed concern over the consumption of nitrogen oxide, a drug known as laughing gas, and called for drastic measures for those providing the substance, after more than half a million young people reported using it between 2019 and 2020.

This is my father second most used drug by 16-24 year olds in the UK, according to the poll, reproduced this Friday by the British media.

The Drug Abuse Advisory Council (ACMD) is now considering including more education on the harm it causes and is calling for tough action on those who give drugs to children.

What is laughing gas?

Nitrous oxide, usually sold in small, silvery metal tubes and inhaled, can cause serious long-term effects, such as vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia.

In addition, it causes disturbing physical reactions such as irritation of the eyes, nose and throat; decrease in blood pressure, heart rate and breathing, blood circulation disturbances and loss of consciousness in addition to lung damage.

The sale of nitrous oxide Due to its psychoactive effects, it was declared illegal after the law on psychoactive substances in 2016, but currently it is not a crime to have this drug.

“We are determined to do all we can to address this issue and protect the future of our children and youth.“

MinistraPriti Patel

With the UK government fearing that the increase in consumption of the substance will continue, it has asked ACMD to consider whether illegal possession of nitrous oxide should be criminalized.

“Drug addiction can have a devastating impact on individuals and communities. We are determined to do all we can to combat this problem and protect the future of our children and young people,” said the British Minister.

While the Expert Advisory Council on Drug Abuse recommends further restrictions on the drug, Patel said the government “is ready to take drastic action.”

8.7% of 16-24 year olds said they had consumed nitrous oxide in the past 12 months, which equates to around 549,000 people, according to the England and Wales Crime Survey.