No Laughing Matter: ‘Laughing Gas’ Addiction In Singapore
- Author:
Ashvini Selvaraj
;
Kim Eng Wong
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- Keywords:
Nitrous Oxide, Laughing Gas, Inhalant Abuse, Whippet
- From:ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry
2017;18(1):103-106
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O) or ‘laughing gas’ inhalation is
a common phenomenon in countries like UK and US where it is associated with
music festivals and parties. However, as far as we know, recreational N2Ouse in
Singapore has hitherto not been reported in the press or scientific journals. We
report the first case of N2O use and addiction in a young Singaporean male who
was introduced to it by a friend from a Western country where its use is
prevalent. Methods: A 20-year-old Singaporean male with an existing psychiatric
diagnosis of Major Depression presented with a 3-year history of solitary regular
N2O inhalation that escalated from infrequent low dose use to the daily highdose
use which he was unable to control. He exhibited symptoms of dependence,
which included preoccupation, tolerance, withdrawal, craving and difficulty in
cutting down. No major adverse medical complications were noted. Results: The
patient was assessed to have Nitrous Oxide Dependence and was given regular
individual counselling sessions with a trained addictions counsellor to motivate
him to cut down his use in the short-term and to stop completely in the longer
term. Conclusion: This case highlights not only the first reported case of N2Ouse
and dependence in Singapore but also the first case seen in a Singapore national
addictions treatment facility. Doctors, families, schools, and the community in
general need to be aware of, and be prepared for, this practice that has come to
Singapore and the region. While extant literature suggests that dependence is
uncommon, we report the first case that clearly demonstrated psychological
dependence. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 18 (1): January – June 2017: XX
XX
- Full text:P020170620408722632834.pdf
