Galaxy Gas: The New Trend in Whippet Abuse

Galaxy Gas is a brand that sells nitrous oxide, a substance commonly known as “laughing gas.” The company, based in Atlanta, markets its products as whipped cream chargers meant for culinary use—such as making whipped cream for desserts, cold brews, and sauces.

The chargers come in various flavors like mango smoothie and tropical punch, which are intended to add flavor to whipped cream. However, the product has gained popularity not for its culinary purposes, but for recreational use, especially among young people.[1,2]

What is Galaxy Gas?

The brand, Galaxy Gas, markets its flavored product as “high quality whipped cream chargers and whipped cream dispensers” but they are widely abused as a recreational drug similar to whippets. Anyone can purchase them, even without showing an ID.

Understanding Whippets

To better understand Galaxy Gas, it’s important to have a background understanding of whippets. Whippets are a form of inhalant drug that involves nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. The gas is stored in small metal canisters intended for use with whipped cream dispensers. Whippets have been abused recreationally for many years.

CBS News states, “Nationally, more than 25 million people over the age of 12 may have tried inhalants, according to a survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. And data shows adolescents from 12-17 more commonly use whippets than those who are 18 and older.”[1]

The term “whippets” comes from the practice of using the small, gas-filled canisters meant for whipped cream dispensers to get high.[3] A small device called a “cracker” is often used to puncture the nitrous oxide canister and release the gas. Some people then transfer the gas to a balloon, making it easier to inhale slowly and in a controlled manner.

Although whippets may seem harmless at first, especially since they’re legal and easy to get, they can have dangerous short and long-term effects, including dizziness, confusion, loss of coordination, and in extreme cases, serious health risks like nerve damage, memory problems, and even suffocation due to the lack of oxygen.

Galaxy Gas Side Effects

When inhaled, nitrous oxide can create a short-lived, euphoric high that causes lightheadedness and a floating sensation. This happens because the gas reduces the flow of oxygen to the brain, temporarily affecting the central nervous system. Side effects of Galaxy Gas include:[4]

Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Nausea
Vomiting
Headaches
Memory loss
Difficulty concentrating
Confusion
Impaired motor coordination
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

Dangers and Risks

Using products like Galaxy Gas to get high carries serious health risks, especially for teens who may not fully understand the dangers. Whippets produce a brief, euphoric effect when inhaled, but this high comes with real risks.

Breathing in nitrous oxide limits oxygen intake, sometimes causing dizziness, fainting, and even unconsciousness. Disorientation can lead to accidents or injuries. Regular use can also damage the brain and nervous system, leading to memory issues, poor concentration, and problems with coordination. Studies have found reports of deaths from hypoxia or arrhythmias resulting directly from nitrous oxide misuse.[3]

Beyond short-term effects, nitrous oxide can also cause frostbite on the lips, nose, or throat and raise the risk of nerve damage and heart problems. Nitrous oxide also inactivates B-12 in the body, causing brain and spinal cord damage in regular users. In one case study, a man in his 30s who had abused nitrous oxide daily for just four to five months developed numbness, weakness, and difficulty walking.[4]

Young people are particularly vulnerable because their brains are still developing, making them more prone to harm from nitrous oxide. The easy access to whipped cream canisters at home and in stores also raises the potential for misuse.

What Makes Galaxy Gas More Appealing and More Dangerous

What sets Galaxy Gas apart from regular whippets is the brand’s sleek merchandising, wide availability, and even flavored options, which can make it more appealing, especially to younger people. For many young people, the stylish and colorful branding adds to the appeal, drawing attention to the product in a way that feels fun or trendy, rather than risky or dangerous.

Social media further fuels this appeal with videos going viral of creators misusing Galaxy Gas and influencers giving the product away to their followers for free.[1,2] Making light of the substance on social media platforms can make young people think it’s less dangerous than it really is.

Not only that, but the company’s products are easily found online, and social media trends have increased their visibility, making them more accessible to a wider audience and easy to buy in bulk. Additionally, the convenience of online shopping can make it hard for parents or guardians to detect a teen’s purchase or use of these products. Buying in bulk also raises the risk of overuse, as people often inhale multiple chargers in quick succession to extend the short-lived high the drug causes.

Signs of Whippet Abuse in Teens

Knowing how to spot the signs of whippet abuse is essential in preventing long-term health problems.

Signs of whippet abuse in teens can include:

Physical Signs

Dizziness, confusion, or slurred speech
Unusual euphoria or excessive laughter
Bluish lips or skin, nausea, and sores around the mouth
Empty whippet canisters or frequent whipped cream cans

Behavioral Signs

Secrecy, isolation, and irritability
Decline in school performance or social withdrawal
Memory problems or trouble focusing

If these signs are present, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional or addiction specialist for support. Early intervention is key to helping teens and other young people overcome whippet abuse before it leads to more serious health and psychological issues down the line.

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