Problematic Use of Nitrous Oxide by Young Moroccan–Dutch Adults

Ton Nabben, Jelmer Weijs and Jan van Amsterdam
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Ton Nabben: Urban Governance & Social Innovation, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, P.O. Box 2171, 1000 CD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Jelmer Weijs: Jellinek, Department High Care Detox, Vlaardingenlaan 5, 1059 GL Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Jan van Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 22660, 1100 DD Amsterdam, The Netherlands

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-17

Abstract: The recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O; laughing gas) has largely expanded in recent years. Although incidental use of nitrous oxide hardly causes any health damage, problematic or heavy use of nitrous oxide can lead to serious adverse effects. Amsterdam care centres noticed that Moroccan–Dutch young adults reported neurological symptoms, including severe paralysis, as a result of problematic nitrous oxide use. In this qualitative exploratory study, thirteen young adult Moroccan–Dutch excessive nitrous oxide users were interviewed. The determinants of problematic nitrous oxide use in this ethnic group are discussed, including their low treatment demand with respect to nitrous oxide abuse related medical–psychological problems. Motives for using nitrous oxide are to relieve boredom, to seek out relaxation with friends and to suppress psychosocial stress and negative thoughts. Other motives are depression, discrimination and conflict with friends or parents. The taboo culture surrounding substance use—mistrust, shame and macho culture—frustrates timely medical/psychological treatment of Moroccan–Dutch problematic nitrous oxide users. It is recommended to use influencers in media campaigns with the aim to decrease the risks of heavy nitrous oxide use and improve treatment access. Outreach youth workers can also play an important role in motivating socially isolated users to seek medical and or psychological help.

Keywords: laughing gas; N2O; problematic use; Moroccan–Dutch; Muslim; treatment demand; nitrous oxide; adverse effects; recreational use; drug dependence; migrants (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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