Premier League ace with ‘laughing gas addiction’ receives emergency treatment after nitrous oxide relapse

Emergency services delivered a ‘stark warning’ to a Premier League footballer suffering from laughing gas addiction. The substance, also known as nitrous oxide, was banned by the UK government in 2023 after it became clear that there was an ‘“epidemic of young people” being admitted to hospital following the effects of using laughing gas on a recreational basis.

Inhaling nitrous oxide on a recreational basis can create a feeling of dizziness, which can lead to falls, headaches and in extreme cases hallucinations.

Laughing gas can also cause lung and throat damage. The negative side effects of the drug can also lead to lowering of blood pressure, a heart attack, fainting and nerve damage due to the tingling sensation. When used on a long term basis laughing gas also leads to an increased risk of developing depression and memory loss in later life.

The law states that repeat users can be handed jail sentences of up to two years, with a punishment of up to 14 years for dealers. The footballer in question is said to have repeatedly tried to kick his addiction, having attended rehab earlier this season. 

However, a concerned friend is understood to have alerted emergency services to a relapse after visiting the player at his flat and seeing him surrounded by nitrous oxide canisters, claim the Daily Mail. The report states that paramedics then visited the player and 'delivered a stark warning' to him after carrying out their checks. 

The player's club are aware of the incident, which happened last month, and have been supporting him as he fights his addiction. Police are said to have attended the scene, but the player is not facing any criminal proceedings.