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Dissociatives

Dissociatives can change the way people see and hear things. They can also make them feel as though they are separate (outside) from their bodies, which means they cannot control their movements or feel pain. They can also make people tired and have poor memory of what has happened.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

This is a colourless gas. Some people say that it has a slightly sweet smell and taste. It is normally brought in pressurised canisters. The effects of nitrous oxide vary depending on how much has been inhaled but they include feelings of euphoria, relaxation and calmness, dizziness, difficulty in thinking straight, fits of giggles/laughter, sound distortions and hallucinations.

Some people get a very bad headache as soon as they use nitrous oxide and it can be hard to judge the amount to use safely. It can also cause dizziness or affect people’s judgement, which might make them act carelessly or dangerously and put them at risk of hurting themselves.

The risk is greater if it is used in a small space or if a plastic bag that covers both the nose and mouth is also used as this restricts the oxygen needed to breathe normally.