A young Aussie whose nitrous oxide addiction saw him sell his clothes on the street and triggered a drug-induced psychosis is warning others about its dangers after a rapid spiral that saw him hit rock bottom.
Sydneysider Sam Bramman was first introduced to 'nangs' at a friend's party in 2023, just months after graduating from high school.
The then 19-year-old believed inhaling nitrous oxide from small canisters, commonly known as bulbs, was safe because they were legal, cheap and easy to access.
'I was under the assumption that it was a fun, harmless party drug that would give you a 30-second high and then you would feel normal again,' he told the Daily Mail.
'I had no idea that you could become addicted.
'Within weeks, I was buying them from smoke shops in packs of 10, and using them alone, which became more frequent. I became quite dependent on them.
'My family and friends began to notice I had become more agitated, had mood swings, and was staying out late all the time.'
In six months, Mr Bramman said he was consuming up to 50 nangs a day and developed drug-induced psychosis, which he described as one of the most frightening periods of his life.
Within six months of trying nitrous oxide, Sam Bramman was addicted, which spiralled into drug-induced psychosis (pictured)
Sam's parents (pictured) found him on the Gold Coast and took him to hospital, where he spent two months in a psychiatric ward
The Kellyville resident founded No2Nangs to raise awareness about the dangers of nitrous oxide
'I hit rock bottom - it was a really quick spiral. I had paranoid thoughts - I thought the police were after me and was writing on my walls at home,' he said.
'I took off in my car and drove to the Gold Coast, where I walked the streets off my face, screaming at cars, not making much sense.
'My parents flew up to Gold Coast, found me and took me to hospital, where I had to be sedated by hospital security.'
A photo he shared with the Daily Mail from that period shows Mr Bramman shirtless and wearing broken sandals on a pavement.
'Selling real hat and shoes,' a sign he clutches in one hand reads.
Mr Bramman said waking up in a psychiatric ward at a different hospital proved to be both a turning point and a deeply disorientating experience.
'I did not understand why I was there at first,' he said.
When he returned to Sydney two months later, he spent the next year and a half bedridden and unable to do basic daily tasks as he was weaned off antipsychotic medications.
His life back on track, Sam is now educating Aussies about the dangers of nitrous oxide
Sam wants all states and territories to follow NSW's lead and ban the sale of bigger cylinders containing nitrous oxide
Mr Bramman only ever consumed 'nang' bulbs and not the overseas-imported bigger cylinder tanks, which hold up to 250 times the amount in a single bulb.
'I wouldn't be here today if I had. I really feel for the people trapped in the addiction right now,' he said.
'Not a lot of people know about the risks.'
With his life back on track, Mr Bramman, now 22, founded the No2Nangs campaign earlier this year which he hopes to one day turn into a non-profit organisation.
In June, he ran 300km from Sydney to Parliament House in Canberra to raise awareness about the dangers of the drug and call on governments to introduce tougher regulations.
A week later, he was standing alongside NSW Health Minister Ryan Park as strict new laws were unveiled.
The legislation comes into effect on November 5, banning sales of the drug to under-18s and restricting when, where and how products can be sold.
In retail settings, bulbs (containing between 8-10g of the gas and known as 'nangs' or 'whippets') will be limited to 250g per day per customer.
The No2Nangs founder ran from Sydney to Canberra advocating for change
New New South Wales laws advocated by Sam come into effect on November 5. He's pictured with NSW Health Minister Ryan Park
Canisters or cylinders containing more than 10g of nitrous oxide will be banned from retail sale.
Long-term effects of frequent nitrous oxide use can include memory loss, brain or spinal cord damage, incontinence and psychosis.
'The prevalence of nitrous oxide abuse, or nangs, is escalating in our community, and it is having a profound impact on the health of our young people,' Park said in a statement.
The ACT government has indicated it will mirror NSW reforms in the next 12 months.
Mr Bramman is proud that his advocacy has already resulted in change.
'There's still a long way to go in terms of other states and territories,' Mr Bramman said.
'The new laws in NSW could be strengthened but it's a good start. The laws target the larger tanks, which are the real harm causer.
'I'm really happy with how it's gone so far. If these laws help one young person avoid the path that I went down, it will be worth it.
'I hope it's an inspiring story and message to other people trapped in any drug addiction that there is a way out.'
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is considering strict proposals to re-classify non-therapeutic nitrous oxide, which could see larger tanks imported from overseas being intercepted by customs. A decision is expected in February.
In the meantime, Mr Bramman continues lobbying MPs and visiting schools and universities to share his story with young Aussies.
He had this message for those fighting addiction: 'You're not alone.'
If you or someone you know needs support, contact the National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
WHAT ARE NANGSNangs are nitrous oxide canisters and they can be found in convenience stores for as little as 10 for $10, or in much bigger quantities online.
Typically the drug is used for sedation and pain relief in dentistry but more people are using it to get high.
Users experience symptoms such as dizziness, euphoria, uncontrollable laughter, and giddiness.
However, people can also die from using nangs as too much can cause a heart attack.
Long-term use can cause depression or psychosis.
'There is no evidence demonstrating that mixing nitrous oxide with other substances increases health risks,' the Alcohol and Drug Foundation's website stated.
'However, it is possible that combining the gas with stimulants and other drugs places additional pressure on the heart, increases blood pressure and may disrupt heart rate.'
Source: Alcohol and Drug Foundation
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