What should be done to stop the use of nitrous oxide as a recreational drug?

The authorities are working to prevent the sale and use of laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and also of e-cigarettes. Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that’s most commonly found in pressurised metal canisters and is used as a recreational drug. When inhaled, the gas produces a feeling of euphoria. Vientiane Times asked for opinions on how the use of these products should be controlled.

Mr Niko Luvan, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: As someone who has tried e-cigarettes, to begin with I felt very relaxed. I enjoyed the different odours and the freshness and felt good inside but, as time went by, I wanted more and began smoking all the time. I notice that many young people are using e-cigarettes nowadays, which is not good news. The authorities should do something about this, otherwise there will be many more smokers in the future.
 
Ms Noy, a resident of Luang Prabang province: In my opinion, this is something that should be addressed at the root instead of at the end of the process. By this I mean that the sale of e-cigarettes and all nicotine-based products should be banned and none of these products should be imported. If we can control the import of nicotine-based drugs, there will be fewer smokers. And laughing gas should also be prohibited. By attacking the root causes, we can solve the problem of drug addiction. We also need more rehabilitation centres where people can recover from addiction.
 
Ms Vone Vongsavang, a resident of Huaphan province: I think the authorities should ban e-cigarettes and nitrous oxide. By taking a stand against these products, it will prevent young people and others who are unaware of the risks they pose from trying something they don’t know much about, simply because their friends do it. Parents should be educated about the dangers involved so they can warn their children about the consequences and health risks. If children are guided by their parents from a young age, it would decrease the use of e-cigarettes and laughing gas. There should also be laws that prohibit their use, and these should be enforced. Educating the public and enforcing laws, I believe, will serve to reduce the use of e-cigarettes and laughing gas.
 
Mr Thavone, a government official in Vientiane: I have read about laughing gas. It makes those who use it feel happy. But too much of it can damage our health. This type of gas is also quite expensive and if we use more than is advisable, we might not be able to avoid addiction. In the end, it’s up to the user to control their intake. With regard to e-cigarettes, if people use them appropriately, they can help people to quit smoking because it reduces their craving for nicotine.
 
Ms Sor Insyseingmai, a resident of Oudomxay province: I don’t think it’s good for anyone to use laughing gas, e-cigarettes or other types of drugs around young people. Not only are youngsters likely to copy the behaviour of others, they’re also at risk of exposure to nicotine and other chemicals that can be harmful to their health. It’s also important to protect children from exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke. Parents and other adults should do their part to reduce young people’s exposure to all types of cigarettes.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update September 9, 2022)