Whippets—small canisters of nitrous oxide inhaled for a quick high—have been around for decades. But the rise of Galaxy Gas and flavored nitrous oxide products has triggered a dangerous new wave of abuse, particularly among teens and young adults influenced by viral social media trends.
At Nova Transformations in Matthews, NC, we provide specialized treatment for inhalant abuse and the underlying issues that drive it. Our PHP and IOP programs address both the psychological addiction and any co-occurring mental health conditions.
⚠️ FDA Warning
In 2025, the FDA issued an alert warning consumers about the dangers of recreational nitrous oxide use, noting serious health outcomes including paralysis, nerve damage, and death. The warning specifically featured Galaxy Gas canisters.
What Are Whippets?
Whippets (also spelled “whippits” or “whip-its”) refer to small steel canisters containing pressurized nitrous oxide (N₂O). Originally designed for whipped cream dispensers, these canisters are widely abused by puncturing them and inhaling the gas—either directly or through a balloon.
When inhaled, nitrous oxide displaces oxygen in the lungs and brain, producing a brief (30 seconds to a few minutes) euphoric high characterized by lightheadedness, floating sensations, and sometimes hallucinations. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), because the high is so short, users often inhale repeatedly in rapid succession, dramatically increasing the risk of oxygen deprivation and brain damage.
Street Names for Nitrous Oxide
The Galaxy Gas Phenomenon
Galaxy Gas is a brand of flavored nitrous oxide canisters that went viral on TikTok and Instagram in 2024. Unlike traditional small whippet chargers, Galaxy Gas sells large canisters (up to 3.3 liters) in enticing flavors like mango smoothie, blue raspberry, and watermelon lemonade—making them particularly appealing to young people. According to CBS News, videos depicting people inhaling nitrous oxide have garnered hundreds of thousands of views.
Social Media’s Role
The “Lil T Man” video—showing a teen inhaling Galaxy Gas at a restaurant—went viral with millions of views, sparking widespread imitation. TikTok has since banned searches for “Galaxy Gas,” and a 2025 class-action lawsuit alleges the company used deceptive marketing targeting youth. CDC data shows recreational nitrous oxide misuse has been rising sharply.
Dangers of Whippet Abuse
🧠Brain Damage
- Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia)
- Brain cell death
- Memory problems
- Cognitive impairment
- Loss of consciousness
⚡Nerve Damage
- Vitamin B12 depletion
- Spinal cord degeneration
- Numbness and tingling
- Difficulty walking
- Paralysis (in severe cases)
💔Cardiovascular
- Irregular heartbeat
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Sudden cardiac death
- Low blood pressure
⚠️Other Risks
- Frostbite (from cold gas)
- Falls and injuries
- Suffocation
- Seizures
- Death from hypoxia
The B12 Connection
One of the most serious long-term effects of nitrous oxide abuse is vitamin B12 inactivation. According to research published in Practical Neurology (NIH), nitrous oxide oxidizes the cobalt in B12, rendering it useless. Since B12 is essential for maintaining the protective myelin sheath around nerves, chronic users can develop devastating neurological damage—including an inability to walk.
In 2022, an addicted couple in Portland became temporarily unable to walk due to spinal nerve damage from chronic whippet use. In 2024, a 29-year-old woman named Rachael Kelly became paralyzed after years of nitrous oxide abuse and is now sharing her story to warn others, as reported by People Magazine.
⚠️ Signs of Whippet Abuse
Watch for: Empty metal canisters or large Galaxy Gas containers, balloons, crackers (devices to open canisters), chemical smell on breath, red eyes, sores around mouth/nose, slurred speech, dizziness, mood swings, and isolation.
Can You Get Addicted to Whippets?
Yes. While nitrous oxide may not cause the same physical dependence as opioids or alcohol, it absolutely can cause psychological addiction. The brain’s reward system responds to the euphoric effects, creating cravings and compulsive use patterns. Users report:
- Strong cravings for the high
- Using despite knowing the risks
- Needing more to achieve the same effect (tolerance)
- Irritability, anxiety, and restlessness when not using
- Spending significant money on canisters
- Hiding use from friends and family
Withdrawal & Recovery
While nitrous oxide withdrawal is generally less severe than opioid or alcohol withdrawal, heavy users can experience:
- Irritability and mood swings
- Anxiety and depression
- Cravings
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating
Treatment focuses on addressing the psychological addiction, underlying mental health issues, and any neurological damage from chronic use.
Treatment at Nova Transformations
Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
5 days/week • 6+ hours daily
- Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy and peer support
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Family therapy
- Life skills development
Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
3 days/week • 3+ hours/session
- Flexible scheduling
- CBT and motivational interviewing
- Relapse prevention
- Coping skills training
- Ongoing psychiatric support
- Alumni network
Break Free from Inhalant Addiction
Whether you’re struggling with whippets, Galaxy Gas, or other inhalants, we can help. Our compassionate team specializes in treating young adults and addressing the underlying issues driving substance abuse.
Call Now: (704) 997-3500Frequently Asked Questions
Whippets are small steel canisters containing pressurized nitrous oxide, commonly used in whipped cream dispensers. When inhaled, nitrous oxide produces a brief euphoric high by displacing oxygen to the brain. The term also refers to the act of inhaling nitrous oxide recreationally.
Galaxy Gas is a brand of flavored nitrous oxide canisters that went viral on social media in 2024. Sold as whipped cream chargers with flavors like mango smoothie and blue raspberry, these products have been widely abused by teens and young adults seeking a quick high.
Yes. While nitrous oxide may not cause physical dependence like opioids, it can cause strong psychological addiction. The brain’s reward system responds to the euphoric effects, creating cravings and compulsive use patterns.
Dangers include oxygen deprivation leading to brain damage or death, vitamin B12 depletion causing nerve damage and paralysis, frostbite from direct inhalation, loss of consciousness and falls, and long-term neurological damage.
Yes, most insurance plans cover substance abuse treatment. Verify your insurance or call us.
Related Resources
References & Sources
- CDC MMWR. (2025). Recreational Nitrous Oxide Misuse — Michigan, 2019–2023.
- FDA. (2025). Consumer Alert: Recreational Nitrous Oxide Use.
- Psychology Today. (2025). Teen and Young Adult Abuse of Nitrous Oxide Increasing.
- CBS News. (2024). The “Galaxy Gas” trend whipping up controversy on social media.
- Pyramid Healthcare. (2025). The Rapid Rise of Whippet Use—and Why It’s So Dangerous.
- Practical Neurology (NIH). Whippits, nitrous oxide and the dangers of legal highs.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Inhalants Research.
