A PREMIER League star has become the first footballer to go into rehab for a laughing gas addiction.
Other addicted stars will follow, as sources warn that use is widespread among elite players despite now being illegal.
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The Premier League star has become the first footballer to enter rehab for a laughing gas addiction (Photo)Credit: Getty
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Nitrous oxide, also known as ‘hippy crack’, comes in containers and became a Class C drug last NovemberCredit: Getty
The player was admitted to the medical center after his worried family asked the club for help.
The police stopped the car with the passenger in it and found dozens of canisters in the footwell.
The incident a few weeks before Christmas did not lead to police action because they could not prove whose they were.
But a source said: “His family became aware and asked the club for help.
“The player was told that if he wanted to save his career, he had to go to a specialized residential center and get help.
“He’s actually detoxing the same way you would if you were addicted to alcohol or any other drug.
“He is the first Premier League footballer to be treated for nitrous oxide addiction but, given how widespread its use is among players, he is unlikely to be the last.”
Nitrous oxide, also known as “hippy crack,” comes in canisters — sometimes super large — that are used to fill balloons, which are then inhaled repeatedly.
It gives a quick high but comes with the risk of heart attack, stroke and brain damage, while some users have died after taking it.
Long-term use can also lead to depression, memory loss, incontinence, hallucinations and nerve damage.
The law was changed last November to make it a Class C controlled drug and possession for inhalation is now an offence.
It would be almost impossible for any convicted footballer to play where there are strict drug laws, such as the US and Saudi Arabia.
However, the source said dozens are heavy users and many started in quarantine.
Routine drug tests are also unlikely to detect it.
The source continued: “A Premier League star recently celebrated his birthday and used almost £10,000 of canisters.
“The burden is on them because they can’t be caught with it in their system.
“It happens in all clubs, and some of those who use are very famous players. I’m not sure any of them know it’s a Class C drug now.
“No footballer would dream of having a stash of cannabis in their house, but many have stashes of balloons for themselves and their friends.
“They seem to have no idea how dangerous it can be to use it.”
The websites sell the canister and nitrous oxide for a few pounds, after the buyer confirms it is for food production and is over 18.
Previously, users bought single-use containers, but many have switched to large tubes that deliver 80 times the usual dose.
Stephen Ream, from solvent and drug misuse charity Re-Solv, said: “The new large canisters are a real concern. One young man we supported used ten a day.
“When you do the small ones, you know how many you’re passing, but when you use the big ones, you lose track.”
In 2022, Kayleigh Burns, 16, from Liverpool died after inhaling gas at a party in Leamington Spa.
She complained of being “too hot” before collapsing.
Sports science professor and former FA boss John Brewer has warned players to stay away as it can deplete vitamin B12 levels.
He said: “B12 is essential for nerve function.
“So if you’re a top soccer player trying to make skillful moves and pass the ball effectively, you don’t want to damage your nerves in any way because you need that peripheral ability to sense the moves.”
He also said it can cause anemia, which reduces stamina levels.
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The star will be followed by other players (photo) Credit: gETTY
STARS ON GAS
A NUMBER of Premier League players have been caught using nitrous oxide.
In 2013, then-Spurs star Kyle Walker was pictured inhaling it.
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Jack Grealish was filmed inhaling from a balloon in 2019
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Leon Bailey was also filmed inhaling in a car after an all-night party last March
Raheem Sterling was seen doing the same two years later, receiving a reprimand from Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.
In 2018, Arsenal stars Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Matteo Guendouzi were filmed playing it in a pre-season game.
The following year, Jack Grealish, then at Aston Villa, was filmed inhaling from a balloon.
Last year, Everton midfielder Dele Alli was pictured on the pitch surrounded by gas canisters and alcohol.
Villa’s Leon Bailey also filmed himself inhaling in his car after an all-night party last March.
None of these players are aces in rehab.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education