TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2023//
TI  - Does nitrous oxide addiction exist? An evaluation of the evidence for the presence and prevalence of substance use disorder symptoms in recreational nitrous oxide users
JO  - Addiction
A1  - Back, Sammie
A1  - Kroon, Emese
A1  - Colyer-Patel, Karis
A1  - Cousijn, Janna
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - BACKGROUND: Prevalence of nitrous oxide (N(2) O) use appears to be increasing in numerous countries worldwide, and excessive use has been associated with physical and mental problems. Because there currently is no consensus whether N(2) O has addictive potential, we aimed to evaluate the evidence for the presence and prevalence of DSM-5 substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms in N(2) O users. ANALYSIS: A literature search was conducted to assess the evidence for the presence of any of the 11 DSM-5 SUD symptoms in N(2) O users and the prevalence experiencing those symptoms. A substantial part of the studied N(2) O users use more than intended (i.e. 46% to 98%) and spend a substantial amount of time using N(2) O. At least some of the studied N(2) O users experience interpersonal problems (i.e. 13% to 80%) and use N(2) O in risky situations, such as driving under the influence. Evidence for the other criteria is either insufficient or inconclusive. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The literature base for the presence and prevalence of DSM-5 substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms in nitrous oxide (N(2) O) users is limited and largely consists of qualitative studies and case studies, but it provides consistent evidence for the presence of at least four SUD criteria in heavy N(2) O users. N(2) O could well be addictive and should be treated as a potentially addictive substance until systematic assessments can provide evidence-based guidance to users, healthcare professionals and legislators.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0965-2140
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/add.16380
ID  - ref1
ER  -