Nitrous Oxide – a Silent but Growing Health Challenge

The article addresses the use of nitrous oxide for recreational purposes. Such use has increased sharply in recent years, and many people are unaware of the serious health problems it can cause. Nitrous oxide can lead to damage to the peripheral nervous system and the spinal cord, can cause blood clots in young people even without known risk factors, and may result in various psychological symptoms. Because the symptoms are often vague—such as numbness, unsteady gait, mood swings, or problems with bladder and sexual function—the condition is frequently overlooked.

The article emphasizes that early testing is crucial. Blood tests measuring homocysteine and methylmalonic acid provide important clues about nitrous oxide use, even when vitamin B12 levels appear normal. Treatment with vitamin B12 must be started quickly to prevent permanent damage.

Experts are calling for better clinical routines, increased awareness among healthcare professionals, and international collaboration. The goal is to develop safer diagnostic methods, improve treatment, and establish a shared system to monitor this growing health challenge.

Training in addiction medicine and addiction psychology is essential to ensure the quality of treatment for patients with substance use disorders.

An online survey was carried out in 2018 on national level guidelines on the treatment of alcohol use disorders.

An online survey was carried out in 2017 on national level legislation, guidelines, and research into medical cannabis use.

Editor on Behavioural addictions in European Psychiatry

EUFAS and EAR are perfect partners to widespread science-based approaches in European addiction research and treatment to European institutions, healthcare professionals and citizens.

European Addiction Research (EAR) and the European Federation of Addiction Societies (EUFAS) are jointly presenting the EUROPEAN Addiction Research Award. The award recognizes scientific excellence in clinical research in the addictions field.

This web-based survey gathered data from member societies in 21 countries on the use of different medications to foster abstinence and/or reduce alcohol intake. The results of the survey were presented at the EUFAS General Assembly in Dundee same year.

Summarizes the 2015 French guidelines on screening and treating alcohol misuse in children and adolescents

This bibliometric study compares European and U.S. addiction research from 2001–2011. Using Web of Knowledge data, it shows that although the U.S. publishes most articles, Europe contributes substantially. Citation rates are similar, but Europe trails increasingly, underscoring the need for stronger European addiction research.

Publication in French

Publication in Italian