When the tank becomes your best friend.
Problematic laughing gas use among young Moroccan Amsterdammers
The recreational use of laughing gas has expanded enormously in recent years. Although incidental use of nitrous oxide hardly causes any health damage, prolonged or excessive use of nitrous oxide can lead to neurological damage. Amsterdam care centers and practitioners noticed that especially young Moroccan and Turkish Dutch people in the Amsterdam New-West district reported neurological symptoms, including severe paralysis symptoms after problematic nitrous oxide use.
Through interviews with thirteen young Moroccan-Dutch users (19-28 years old), the determinants of their problematic nitrous oxide use are highlighted, including their relatively low demand for medical-psychological care. Seven of them were in (poly-)clinical treatment for their problematic use and six were not in treatment, but were using nitrous oxide at least every week. Nitrous oxide is used because one is bored and to suppress psychosocial stress and negative thoughts. Laughing gas seems like a panacea that offers relief. Other motives are depression, discrimination and conflict with friends or parents. Due to the (taboo) culture surrounding substance use, mistrust, shame and macho culture, the medical assistance only reaches the Moroccan-Dutch problematic laughing gas user at a late stage. The conclusion is that it is recommended to use influencers in campaigns aimed at the risks and treatment of heavy nitrous oxide use. Youth work can also play an important role in motivating socially isolated users to seek medical-psychological help.
Keywords: laughing gas, N2O, nitrous oxide, problematic use, Moroccan Dutch, Muslims