Partying teens are warned to stay away from a deadly drug being sold at Schoolies for just $1 a hit
- Nitrous oxide is being sold at Schoolies on the Gold Coast for just $1 a hit
- Students shared images of ‘nangs’ online showing how popular they are
- Charity has warned that the drug was never meant for recreational use
Teenagers letting their hair down during Schoolies have been warned to stay away from a potentially deadly drug.
Nitrous Oxide, also known as ‘nangs’, is being sold on the Gold Coast in packs of 10 for $10.
Founder of charity Red Frogs Andy Gourley told Daily Mail Australia the drug was a big concern and called for local businesses to have more social responsibility.
‘Shop owners stock up [around this time of year] with the knowledge they’re not going to be used for a soda stream. That is incredibly irresponsible,’ Mr Gourley said.
Safety advocate groups are warning Schoolies students to stay clear of nitrous oxide – also known as nangs (stock)
He said it was wrong that businesses were stocking up on a product that could harm.
He said he understands there are legitimate reasons to stock, sell and buy the items but it should be sold responsibly.
Mr Gourley said in comparison to alcohol – which makes up 95 per cent of all incidents at Schoolies – nitrous oxide abuse is a small percentage.
‘The issue pops up every four to give years – including last year. We just don’t want to see it become a trend.’
Online, students were joking about how popular the drug was this year.
Traditionally the drug was used for sedation and pain relief but more and more people are using it to get high.
Effects of the drug include dizziness, euphoria, uncontrollable laughter and giddiness.
However, people can also die from using nangs as an overdose can trigger a heart attack.
Online, students were joking about how popular the drug was this year
Long-term use can cause depression or psychosis.
In 2016 eight people died from inhaling nangs in the UK, up from four in 2015 and three each in 2013 and 2014.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation website states that there is no evidence demonstrating that mixing nitrous oxide with other substances increases health risks.
‘However, it is possible that combining the gas with stimulants and other drugs places additional pressure on the heart, increases blood pressure and may disrupt heart rate,’ it states.
Queensland allows for the sale of nitrous oxide.
In other states – such as New South Wales – it is illegal to sell nitrous oxide if you know it will be used for human consumption.
The seller could face two years in jail.
On Saturday Queensland Police issued a statement no one had been arrested at Schoolies overnight (stock image)
Mr Gourley said Red Frogs partners up with Queensland Ambulance Service and if they are worried about a friend or themselves to call Triple 0.
‘People are afraid of getting in trouble but the ambulance staff’s concern is treating the patient. They are not the police,’ he said.
On Saturday Queensland Police issued a statement no one had been arrested at Schoolies overnight.
‘Schoolies week is a timely reminder to the community that the possession and consumption of illicit drugs is illegal. Not only is it illegal – it is also dangerous and could have fatal consequences,’ the statement read.
‘Police will not hesitate to take enforcement action against anyone found in possession of, supplying, trafficking or producing dangerous drugs.’
Mr Gourley said: ‘Schoolies is enjoyable as it is – you don’t need artificial substances to have fun. You don’t want to end up in the medical tent.’