A man has shared his harrowing experience of how inhaling laughing gas led to severe nerve damage, leaving him permanently disabled. Connor Wilton, 27, was hospitalised and suffered paralysis after using nitrous oxide, which became illegal in November 2023. Wilton, a former mental health rehabilitation worker, disclosed how his excessive use of the drug, consuming up to 480 balloons every weekend, resulted in life-altering consequences.
Wilston’s ordeal began when his father found him collapsed on the floor after a session with nitrous oxide in November 2022. The oxygen deprivation and B12 vitamin deficiency caused by the drug proved catastrophic, leaving Wilton bed-bound for months and in need of intensive care. Despite months of treatment and rehabilitation, Wilton now requires crutches and a wheelchair, taking numerous tablets daily to manage his condition.
Reflecting on his past substance abuse, Wilton admitted to initially using laughing gas recreationally at social gatherings but eventually spiraling into excessive consumption. After experiencing alarming symptoms such as tingling feet and muscle weakness, Wilton’s health rapidly deteriorated, leading to his hospitalisation and diagnosis of severe nerve damage and spinal cord degeneration.
Wilton’s cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with nitrous oxide abuse. He took to social media to warn others about the devastating impact the drug had on his life, urging individuals to avoid experimenting with illegal substances. Despite facing long-term physical limitations, Wilton remains determined to raise awareness and prevent others from falling into a similar predicament.
The repercussions of Wilton’s laughing gas addiction serve as a poignant reminder of the lasting consequences of substance abuse. His story sheds light on the critical importance of recognising the risks associated with recreational drug use and the profound impact it can have on one’s health and wellbeing. Wilton’s journey towards recovery stands as a testament to resilience and serves as a cautionary tale for others navigating similar challenges.