Nang addiction left Sam hospitalised with psychosis in six months
Sam became dependent on nangs within weeks, developed psychosis at six months, and spent two months as an involuntary psychiatric patient.
Sam was 19 when offered a nang at a house party, believing the drug was harmless. Within weeks, full dependence developed, with Sam using in secret and while driving.
After six months, drug-induced psychosis set in. Sam became paranoid, thought police were after him, and drove to the Gold Coast still using and sleep-deprived.
Sam walked the streets screaming and barefoot, wearing a charging cable as a belt. Sam's parents found him and took him to hospital.
Sam was sedated and spent two months in psychiatric care as an involuntary patient. Sam spent the next year barely able to leave bed.
Now 22, Sam founded No2Nangs and ran from Sydney to Canberra to push for law reform. The ACT government committed to restricting nitrous oxide sales to minors.
- 19
- Age at first use
- Weeks
- Time to dependence
- 6 months
- Time to psychosis
- 2 months
- Hospital stay
Why it mattersNangs are widely accessible and causing serious harm to young Australians; Sam's case shows how quickly addiction and psychosis can develop.
AustraliaThe ACT is introducing law reform to restrict nitrous oxide sales to minors following the coroner's recommendation after a teenager's death in 2023.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
