Galaxy Gas: What Parents Need to Know about New "Whippets"
Published:
Sep 24, 2024
,
02:09 p.m.
ET
Another dangerous trend has hit the social media world and it started with influencers like Lil T Man and Faze Banks inhaling nitrous oxide from Galaxy Gas whipped cream canisters. Videos of teens “cheers-ing” cans of Galaxy Gas and inhaling from them have garnered millions of views online and raises more questions of how social media is negatively influencing younger generations to test out dangerous trends.
Concern has been raised around the negative health effects of using whippets for many years, and now parents are joining the conversation on how to talk to their children about the unsafe use of Galaxy Gas. Parents should make an effort to educate themselves about these Instagram and TikTok trends, what Galaxy Gas and others like it are, signs someone is using whippets and what can be done about it.
What is “Galaxy Gas”? How is it used? Is it legal?
Galaxy Gas is a company based in Georgia that makes whipped cream dispensers and whipped cream chargers that are meant to be used for culinary purposes only. Without any food in the canister, it is filled with only nitrous oxide.
The term “whippets” or “whip-its” is not a new one and was coined when people started using these products to inhale the nitrous oxide and get a brief but intense high. Using whippets as an inhalant to get high is not legal, although these products are available to purchase legally.
However, Galaxy Gas has now paused sales of the product, stating, “Galaxy Gas products are for responsible culinary use only, and we are deeply concerned about the recent news reports and social media posts of individuals illegally misusing our products… As a result, Galaxy Gas has paused all sales of its whipped cream chargers at this time.”
How do Galaxy Gas whippets produce a high?
Nitrous oxide gas, or laughing gas, has long been used in dentistry as a way to temporarily sedate a patient and reduce pain. When inhaled, nitrous oxide works quickly to disrupt the central nervous system by cutting off the oxygen supply to the brain. This reduces brain activity and creates a brief high that can last seconds to a few minutes. Repeated inhalations are needed to maintain a high.
Galaxy Gas whippets work in the same fashion and are a popular party or recreational drug because they are legal to purchase. While the nitrous oxide in whipped cream dispensers are meant to push the contents out of the container, when no food is present in a Galaxy Gas can, nitrous oxide is able to be inhaled directly from the nozzle, causing a brief high.
Are Galaxy Gas whippets dangerous?
Multiple studies have explored the negative side effects and dangers of using whippets and products like Galaxy Gas. Inhaling nitrous oxide continuously can cause deprivation of oxygen to the brain, also known as hypoxia. Hypoxia can cause feelings of dizziness, fainting or even loss of consciousness. Using whippets long term may damage the brain due to repeated oxygen deprivation, which can lead to impaired memory, concentration issues or problems with physical coordination.
Using whippets may also cause frostbite on the mouth, lips or face due to the cold blasts of nitrous oxide. Studies have shown that long-term use of Galaxy Gas may even result in nerve damage, heart complications or sudden death from hypoxia.
What should parents do if their child uses Galaxy Gas whippets?
If you suspect your child is using Galaxy Gas whippets, it is important to take action quickly to help prevent further damage. The signs of using whippets in a teen may be finding empty whipped cream canisters lying around or changes in your child's demeanor like being secretive or moody about their habits. You may also notice issues with their concentration or lethargy. If you notice these signs it is important to talk to your child in an open and compassionate manner about the short and long term consequences of using inhalants like whippets.
Having preventative conversations about trends on social media, like Galaxy Gas, can be a helpful way to educate young people about the risks of recreational drugs. Parents can also enlist the help of a professional who has experience identifying and treating whippet use.
Treatment options to stop Galaxy Gas whippets usage
Finding treatment for Galaxy Gas whippet abuse can feel daunting for a parent but there are various options available that specialize in inhalant misuse. Treatment options can range from inpatient services, detox, or outpatient therapy.
Behavioral therapy can be another tool in stopping whippet usage. Individual therapy with a licensed counselor can provide teens and their parents a way to discuss Galaxy Gas use and identify positive coping mechanisms to use instead.
Birches Health offers virtual treatment with professionals who have experience treating Galaxy Gas abuse. Birches offers free consultations to see what type of treatment may be best for you or someone you know. Birches can also be reached by calling 833-483-3838 or emailing hello@bircheshealth.com to speak with a specialist about treatment today.
