Exploring the experiences and perceptions of young people’s recreational nitrous oxide use

Purpose This exploratory pilot study investigated the experiences and perceptions of young people who use N 2 O recreationally. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first qualitative research conducted in Australia with young people investigating this topic in detail. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore young people’s perceptions, motives and experiences of N 2 O use by exploring the positive and negative effects of N 2 O, motives for use, practices and methods and suggested advice to help define targeted harm reduction messages. Design/methodology/approach Participants were recruited via hard copy posters, social media advertisements and snowball sampling. Seven in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with young people aged between 18 and 25 years who had used N 2 O on at least ten occasions. The interview transcripts were analysed thematically. The study was completed in accordance with COREQ for qualitative research. Findings The findings identified four overarching themes about N 2 O use: the nature of N 2 O use; the appeal of N 2 O; influences on N 2 O use; and perception of risk and harms of N 2 O use. Originality/value Young people in the study described their experiences as being largely pleasurable. However, several identified negative impacts, although harms, were primarily disregarded. Exploration of N 2 O effects alongside other substance use highlighted how N 2 O is a unique substance and should be considered as such when developing harm reduction strategies.