Laughing gas, scientifically known as Nitrous Oxide (N2O), is a chemical compound that, when filled into balloons, is commonly referred to as laughing balloons (funkyball).
Having recently made its way to Vietnam, laughing gas has quickly become a popular trend among the youth, who often see it as a fun activity during night outings. Just one inhale will have you laughing uncontrollably.
What is Laughing Gas?
In nightclubs in Hanoi, it is not difficult to find laughing gas as it is sold somewhat “openly” to serve partygoers.
Laughing balloons, also known as Funkyballs, are among the most trending recreational activities among young people in many countries, including Vietnam, as they view it as a stress-reliever.
Laughing gas is not a drug or a game; it essentially consists of regular balloons filled with nitrous oxide. Users simply “blow” and “inhale” – “inhale” and “blow”.
These laughing balloons are filled with gas using a specialized pumping device. Once the purchaser has inhaled the gas, the balloon becomes deflated. The nitrous oxide spreads and enters the body, creating a feeling of excitement and inducing a laughing high.
How Harmful is Laughing Gas?
Although it may seem harmless, using and inhaling laughing gas poses many hidden dangers. In some European countries, this substance is a legal stimulant sold in nightclubs.
When inhaling laughing gas, users experience uncontrollable laughter and become immersed in hallucinations and euphoria about their surroundings.
Doctors worldwide have warned that inhaling laughing gas or nitrous oxide directly affects the cardiovascular system and the nervous system, with severe consequences including depression or even death if abused. Inhalation leads to feelings of tingling, particularly accompanied by enhanced music perception, followed by excitement and uncontrollable laughter. Common effects of using laughing gas include drowsiness, confusion, unsteady movement, sleep disturbances, irregular heartbeats, and anemia.
Frequent use of laughing gas can lead to vitamin B deficiency and anemia in the body. A lack of vitamin B may cause tingling in the fingers and toes lasting for hours or days. In severe cases, it can lead to paralysis and difficulty walking…
Called laughing gas because this balloon serves no purpose other than inducing laughter, keeping you laughing for a long time. Just inhale, and you will quickly find yourself laughing uncontrollably.
According to reports, in 2010, American actress Demi Moore had to be hospitalized after inhaling laughing gas at parties, presenting symptoms of seizures and tremors. In late 2012, a 19-year-old student from the University of Illinois, Benjamin Collen, died from nitrous oxide asphyxiation.
Using laughing gas in large amounts and frequently can lead to severe neurological damage. Data published by British scientists indicated that laughing gas caused 17 deaths in the UK between 2006 and 2012, with five fatalities due to oxygen deprivation.
The danger is that prolonged abuse of hallucinogenic substances can easily lead to the use of actual narcotics, even harder drugs. Because once accustomed to the feeling of being “high” from hallucinations, young people are more likely to seek stronger substances. Those who have become used to laughing gas for their high may eventually try substances like ecstasy, methamphetamine, or even heroin, leading to a cycle of addiction and potential death from HIV/AIDS.
In 2019, the Ministry of Health decided to ban the recreational use of laughing gas. Nitrous oxide can only be produced for industrial purposes and is not permitted for human use, except under medical supervision.
Doctors recommend that the public choose healthy and beneficial forms of entertainment to protect their health. In cases where individuals have used laughing gas and experienced poisoning, they should seek medical attention promptly to avoid long-term neurological consequences.
