Nitrous Oxide Addiction
Summary
This episode addresses the rising public health crisis of nitrous oxide addiction among Irish youth, with half of 2025 medical cases involving those under 17. Guests Dr. Hugh Carney and Professor Joanna Ivers discuss how the gas causes rapid spinal cord damage and addiction, prompting its inclusion in the new National Drug Strategy. They urge for better data integration, frontline worker training, and increased neurology resources to support the growing number of young patients requiring long-term rehabilitation.
Topics discussed
New National Drug Strategy and nitrous oxide risks
Introduction of guests Dr. Carney and Prof. Ivers
What is nitrous oxide and its recreational effects
The mechanism of spinal cord damage via B12
Speed of onset and impact on healthy youth
Diagnosis challenges and broader neuro context
Usage trends and hidden populations
Addiction and psychological dependence
System readiness and data integration needs
Neurology service pressures and resource gaps
Closing remarks and guest introductions
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