By Brandon Matthews
Teen substance use trends change faster than most of us can keep up with, and one of the latest is “Galaxy Gas.” It might sound like something out of a Star Wars movie, but it’s real, dangerous, and gaining popularity among young people. Galaxy Gas consists of cylinders of pressurized nitrous oxide, commonly misused as an inhalant for a quick and dangerous high. Popularized through social media, this trend is particularly aimed at young people. Inhaling nitrous oxide disrupts the central nervous system, reducing brain activity by depriving it of oxygen. The result is a high that lasts only a few minutes. This often leads users to inhale repeatedly to maintain the high—putting them at an even greater risk of harm.
Teens are turning to Galaxy Gas for many reasons. Platforms like TikTok and Snapchat are filled with videos of people inhaling Galaxy Gas and laughing uncontrollably. It’s portrayed as funny and harmless, which normalizes the behavior. It is also extremely easy to get. You can buy it online, at vape shops, or even at some convenience stores, no questions asked. Combine its availability with the fact that compared to other drugs, nitrous oxide is pretty affordable, making it easy for teens to purchase. Teenagers also see it as harmless because it’s used for food purposes, has flavored options, and is sold in bright and colorful packaging.
It can feel overwhelming trying to keep up with what our teenagers are tempted by or involved with. Although you may not be able to stay ahead of the curve, there are things you can do to continually educate and empower your children, regardless of old or new substances.
- Educate Yourself: Knowing the basics of what Galaxy Gas and other substances are and how they’re being used is the first step to prevention.
- Talk Early and Often: Start conversations with your teen about substance use, and don’t shy away from discussing trends like this. The more informed they are, the less likely they are to experiment.
- Be Aware: If you have whipped cream dispensers or similar items at home, store them securely and explain their proper use.
- Address Social Media Influence: Help your teen understand how social media can make dumb decisions look fun and teach them to think critically about what they see online.
Substances like Galaxy Gas thrive due to to ignorance and a false sense of safety. By staying educated and keeping the lines of communication open, we can help teens avoid these traps. We are all better together, so let’s “Do Today For Tomorrow” and make sure that trends like Galaxy Gas aren’t prevalent with our students.
Brandon Matthews is the Alabaster For Tomorrow Program Director.