A former student has spoken out about her harrowing experience with a laughing gas addiction that led her to spend up to £150 daily on canisters.
Jordan Micu’s introduction to nitrous oxide occurred during her college years at the University of North Carolina. Initially viewing it as a social activity, Jordan soon found herself dependent on the substance, consuming three to four canisters per day, totaling over £147 in expenses.
Easily accessible from local smoke shops, Jordan began inhaling directly from the tanks, leading to a destructive cycle of continuous use. Her addiction escalated to the point where she struggled with bladder control and even resorted to using the gas throughout the night.
Following a series of seizures, Jordan was eventually diagnosed with epilepsy in September 2024 after undergoing extensive medical evaluations. Despite the severity of her condition, she continued to misuse the gas until an incident in February 2025 prompted her to seek rehabilitation in Los Angeles.
Reflecting on the detrimental effects of her addiction, Jordan highlighted the long-term repercussions on her physical and mental health. She emphasized the profound impact on her well-being, including vitamin B12 deficiency and feelings of profound isolation and depression.
Expressing the gravity of the situation, Jordan warned others about the dangers of laughing gas, emphasizing its deceptive allure and long-term consequences. She stressed the accessibility of the substance and urged caution against its use due to the associated health risks and legal implications.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is classified as a Class C drug, illegal for recreational use in the UK and US except for specific medical, dental, veterinary, and culinary purposes. Possession of nitrous oxide for illicit activities can result in penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment, with serious health risks such as headaches, dizziness, neurological damage, and paralysis underscored as potential consequences of misuse.
