Increasing harms associated with nitrous oxide use have raised concerns, but limited evidence exists to inform harm reduction. This study aimed to identify how nitrous oxide is sourced, the products/forms used, awareness of health risks, engagement in harm reduction and experience of neurological symptoms. Data were collected via annual interviews (2021-2023) with cross-sectional convenience...
Chronic nitrous oxide (N2O) use causes inactivation of vitamin B12, resulting in neurological and psychiatric symptoms. This case series presents all N2O-related presentations to the emergency department at Royal Perth Hospital between June 2019 and June 2021, alongside the costs of these admissions. Twenty-two patients were identified; 68% (n = 15) were male. The median age was 22.4 years...
There is growing concern, globally, regarding use of nitrous oxide (N2O) for intoxication purposes. This paper aims to examine trends in: (i) past six month N2O use among a sample of people who use regularly use ecstasy and/or other illicit stimulants (2003-2020); (ii) volume of N2O-related Google searches and social media posts (2009-2020); and (iii) N2O-related calls to Poisons Information...
Colorimetric reagent kits can provide information about the compounds present in drug samples. This study aimed to identify patterns and correlates of colorimetric reagent kit use, as well as behavioural outcomes of testing, amongst people who use illegal stimulants in a context that lacks permanent government-sanctioned drug checking services. Australians residing in capital cities who...
The term 'double dropping' refers to a person consuming two drugs simultaneously, typically two ecstasy pills. This practice has been reported in numerous countries, including Australia; however, the prevalence and correlates of double dropping among ecstasy users is unknown. Double dropping is particularly risky when adulteration of 'ecstasy' with novel substances and higher dosages of MDMA in...