Nitrous oxide or “hippy crack” has been the most talked about topic in the United Kingdom for months. The consumption of this substance, which is illegal in the country, has become normalized among young people, including top-level athletes. Dele Alli, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling have all been hunted downs, as reported by The Sun newspaper.
The latest case has been that of the Spurs midfielder, Yves Bissouma, after a video was released showing him inhaling nitrous oxide, also known as hippy crack or “laughing gas.”
Bissouma, suspended
The incident occurred just days before the start of the new Premier League season and caused great concern among both Tottenham supporters and the team’s coaching staff. Finally, The club has decided to suspend him and he will not play in the first game of the season against the Foxes tonight.
“He needs to regain that trust both with me and with the group. The door is open for him and we can help him realise that the decisions he makes impact the group,” said Ange Postecoglou.
But Bissouma’s case is just one more in a long list of players who have been affected by drugs. The situation is becoming more serious as, according to a report published by the English media, one of the stars of the English league had to be admitted to a medical centre for his addiction. and a transfer in the winter market was even frustrated for this reason.
The concern is such that The world’s top clubs have begun testing players for nitrous oxide use, with a growing number of addicts to the drug “laughing gas”. Even sources from top-level clubs claim that teams are noticing huge differences in players’ expected lung capacity and their actual performance.
Frustrated transfer
In fact, as detailed in the report, one footballer saw his transfer thwarted after signs were found that “her nervous system was devastated by the use of laughing gas.” A player who was set to sign for a second division club saw the deal fall through after doctors carrying out his examination discovered serious damage to his nervous system from the use of this gas.
The Sun also revealed that a Premier League star He was in rehab for nitrous oxide addiction, also known as “hippie crack.” Its use came to light when police stopped the car he was travelling in and found dozens of canisters. His family alerted the club and medical intervention was carried out.
It is known that dozens of Premier League stars, including English internationals, regularly use the drug, with many mistakenly believing it to be harmless. But prolonged use can reduce body levels of vitamin B12, essential for nerve function.It was banned last November in a government crackdown and is now considered a Class C drug, in the same category as cannabis. Recreational possession of this type of drug has been illegal in the United Kingdom since last year and can lead to a prison sentence of up to two years.
According to a report published by The Sun, one player spent over 10,000 euros on canisters of laughing gas for his birthday party. Some sources have revealed worrying cases: “One player was heavily addicted and during a physical examination at the club they found that he had damaged nerves in his legs. They decided to get rid of him.”
“His agent took him to another club for a trial and they were keen to sign him but when they did his medical they basically said: ‘You’re an addict’ and stopped him in his tracks. Now he’s without a club.”
Other players have been questioned by medical teams after their legs twitched uncontrollably while they were receiving treatment for other injuries.
“It’s an absolutely massive problem, which clubs are only just beginning to get a grip on. Players think they can get away with it because it doesn’t show up in drug tests and until recently it wasn’t illegal, but some are addicted and it’s having a hugely negative effect on their health and their careers.” another source told The Sun.
In 2022, doctors already warned that they were seeing an increased number of patients with neurological injuries caused by laughing gas, including damage to the spinal cord and nerves.
It should be noted that this substance is concentrated in small containers. After consumption, one usually has a feeling of disinhibition that leads to euphoria, uncontrollable laughter and dizziness, ending in a state of sedation. The problem Consuming high doses of this gas can cause cardiac arrest, strokes, incontinence, hallucinations, memory loss and even death in the worst cases.
What is “Hippy crack” and what are its effects?
Nitrous oxide is a drug which causes a feeling of euphoria and relaxation to anyone who inhales it. Also known as laughing gas or ‘hippy crack’, it is usually consumed by putting it in a container, usually a balloon. Its effects are immediate and wear off quickly, The inhaled dose lasts between 15 and 45 minutes.
When consumed, it gives you a feeling of euphoria, well-being and causes laughter. But, Although many consider it to be harmless, its abusive use leads to irreversible lung injuries and damage to the nervous system. as a loss of blood pressure may occur, according to the Ministry of Health.
Among the main health problems that consumers may suffer include:
Nausea and vomiting.
Increased mucus and inflammation of the airways which can increase your chances of getting infections.
Hypoxia or asphyxia due to gas retention in the lungs for too long or consuming it in closed spaces, since nitrous oxide displaces oxygen and reduces its supply to the brain.
Seizures due to temporary lack of oxygen.
Headache.
Burns to the mouth and upper respiratory tract due to inhalation of the gas directly from the cartridges because it comes out at a very low temperature.
Loss of coordination and balance which can cause falls and injuries.
Sound distortion and hallucinations