Recruiting [AUS] Recruiting for a nitrous oxide (nangs) study - living in Australia for 12+ months required

S

Student@Curtin

Greenlighter
Joined
Sep 13, 2025
Messages
3
I am seeking individuals to participate in research as part of an honours project for my Psychology degree. This study is using an anonymous online survey to investigate patterns of recreational nitrous oxide use.

Study Title: A cross-sectional survey investigating the prevalence and correlates of nitrous oxide dependence among a sample of Australians reporting recent use

Researchers: This research will be conducted by Chief Investigator Dr Jodie Grigg (Research Fellow, National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University), Co-Chief Investigator Dr Sophie Haywood (Lecturer, Curtin University), and myself (Student, Curtin University). This research is operating under the National Drug Research Institute and Curtin University, with Chief Investigators Dr Grigg and Dr Haywood supervising me throughout this project.

Study Description: This research has two aims: (1) to explore the prevalence of nitrous oxide dependence among a sample of Australians who have recently used nitrous oxide, and (2) to identify biological, psychological, and social factors that are associated with nitrous oxide dependence.

Your Contribution: Your contribution will help researchers; healthcare professionals and policymakers gain a deeper understanding of individuals who use nitrous oxide. Consequently, this deeper understanding of nitrous oxide use can further inform harm-reduction strategies and interventions to mitigate the severe harms that associated with nitrous oxide consumption.

Eligibility Criteria: To participate in this study, you will need to be:
  • Aged 16 years or older
  • Have used/consumed nitrous oxide within the last 12 months
  • Have resided in Australia for at least 12 months

Participation Details: This survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Participation is anonymous, meaning no identifying information (such as an IP address) is collected. Responses to survey questions will be kept confidential and used solely for research purposes. You may complete the survey at a time and in an environment that suits you. You may also exit the survey at any point without any punishment or penalties.

Compensation: By completing this survey, you will receive instructions on how to enter the optional prize draw, giving you a chance to win an electronic gift card for JB Hi-Fi valued at $250.

Please feel free to share the link with anyone you know who may be interested and eligible 🙂

Anonymous online survey on nitrous oxide use in Australia

This anonymous online survey investigates patterns of nitrous oxide use in Australia to inform harm reduction responses. It will take about 20 minutes to complete, and participants can enter an optional prize draw upon completion. Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee has approved...
curtin.au1.qualtrics.com

Admin edit: Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) has approved this study (HREC number HRE2025-0427).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Information and Consent Form

What is the project about?
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as 'nangs', 'whippets' and 'laughing gas', has a long history of recreational use. However, it has only been over the previous decade that recreational nitrous oxide use has accelerated drastically. Recent evidence has suggested that rising nitrous-oxide-related harms are linked to heavy or prolonged nitrous oxide use. However, little research has explored patterns of use that may indicate substance dependence or the risk factors linked with dependence. This study addresses this gap by investigating the prevalence of nitrous oxide dependence among a sample of Australians who have recently used nitrous oxide, as well as identifying related factors of nitrous oxide dependence. The findings will contribute to the limited research base on nitrous oxide use, thereby supporting more informed responses from policymakers, healthcare professionals, and health science researchers.

Who is doing the research?
This research is being conducted by Lochlan White as part of a Psychology Honours project at Curtin University, under the supervision of Chief Investigator Dr Jodie Grigg (Research Fellow, National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University) and Co-Chief Investigator Dr Sophie Haywood (Lecturer, Curtin University).

Why am I being asked to take part and what will I have to do?
We are seeking participants who have resided in Australia for 12+ months, are aged 16 years or over, and have consumed nitrous oxide recreationally within the last 12 months. If you believe you meet the mentioned criteria and want to participate, you will be asked to provide consent (by ticking the box at the bottom of the page). You will proceed to an anonymous online survey that will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Throughout the survey, you will be presented with different sections containing questions, starting with questions to determine your eligibility (e.g., age, time spent residing in Australia, and the last time you consumed nitrous oxide). Eligible participants will proceed to questions on non-identifiable background information (e.g., sexual orientation and occupational status). Following this, questions relating to general drug use (e.g., your preferred drug of choice) will be presented, followed by behaviours and patterns associated with nitrous oxide use and harms as a result of use (e.g., who do you use nitrous oxide with?) Lastly, participants will be asked questions relating to their mental health and personality. Aside from questions assessing eligibility, you may skip any questions you do not feel comfortable answering.

All participants can exit the survey at any time by closing the Qualtrics browser. In doing so, any data provided (answered questions) will be submitted up until the point of closure. Any submitted data cannot be withdrawn, as all responses are anonymous.

The survey can be completed at a time and place that suits you. However, we recommend completing it in one session, as accidentally closing the Qualtrics browser will finalise and submit your responses. At the end of the survey, you will be shown a debriefing page containing contact information for free and confidential healthcare services. Additionally, instructions will be provided on entering the prize draw and requesting a summary of the research findings, both of which are optional.

Are there any benefits associated with my involvement in this research?
Your participation will benefit the broader community and individuals who use nitrous oxide by contributing to our understanding of nitrous oxide use. Doing so will help inform future research and responses aimed at reducing the risks associated with nitrous oxide use. You are not just a participant; you are a significant part of this process, and your contribution is deeply appreciated.

Are there any risks associated with my involvement in this research?
No legal risks are associated with completing this survey, as the information collected will be non-identifiable (anonymous). Being an anonymous participant means we do not collect individual names, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, or anything that could link your survey responses to your identity. For extra privacy, we encourage participants to complete the questionnaire using their personal device rather than one owned by your employer, school or university. If participants who complete the survey want to enter the prize draw or request a summary of results at the end of the survey, the email address provided will be stored separately from the survey responses.

Whilst we do not expect participation to cause you harm, we understand that thinking about these topics can sometimes be upsetting. As a research team, we have been careful to ensure the questions are worded to minimise the risk of psychological discomfort occurring. Eligible participants will have the option to pass any questions that elicit discomfort, and you can withdraw from the survey at any time.

If this study raises any issues for you, please consider contacting one of the free, confidential information support services listed below, which will also be displayed in the survey banner and at the end of the survey.

Lifeline:
• ph. 13 11 14
• https://www.lifeline.org.au/about/contact-us/
Beyond Blue Australia:
• ph. 1300 22 4636
• https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/talk-to-a-counsellor
13YARN
• ph. 13 92 76
• [email protected]
National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline:
• ph. 1800 250 015
Curtin University Counselling Services
(For Curtin University students only)
• 08 9266 7850 or 1800 651 878 (Office hours only)
• http://counselling.curtin.edu.au/

Who will have access to my information?
The research team will have access to this data. All data will be stored on Curtin's secure network research drive, which is password-protected. The information collected in this study will be kept under secure conditions in Curtin University's research drive for 7-25 years (after publication), or until the participants who are 16 years of age turn 25. After that point, the data will be destroyed. The privacy of the information you provide will be safeguarded and only disclosed if required by law. However, as your responses are anonymous and non-identifiable, they cannot be linked back to you individually. The findings from this research may be presented at conferences, seminars, or published in academic journals. However, you will not be individually identified in any publication or presentation of the results.

Will you tell me the results of the research?
You can request a summary of the results. Upon completing the survey, you will be provided with a link directing you to a separate page where you can enter your email address and select a checkbox to request a copy of the results. The results will be emailed following the submission and evaluation of the finalised article (approximately December 2025 or later). If there are delays, you will be notified via email with the new expected date. Results will be in aggregate form (i.e., they will summarise overall trends and not individual responses).

Do I have to take part in the research project?
Participating in this research is voluntary. You are not required to participate if you do not want to. Choosing not to take part or exiting the study early will not affect your relationship with Curtin University, staff, or colleagues. To exit the study, close the Qualtrics browser. Closing the web browser will submit your responses to the questions throughout the survey up to that point. However, as your responses are anonymous, any data submitted before withdrawal cannot be removed. We kindly remind you to attempt the survey in one sitting to avoid accidental exits.

What happens next and who can I contact about the research?
Once you have finished the survey, you have the option to enter a draw for an e-gift card to JB Hi-Fi worth $250 and/or receive a copy of the study findings (you may have both). The winner of the prize draw will be drawn at random when the survey closes (approximately September – October), and the winner will be emailed immediately. Instructions on obtaining either or both offers will be presented on the debrief page after the final section of the survey. If you have any concerns regarding this study, please contact Chief Investigator Dr Jodie Grigg by phone or email: (08) 9266 1618 or [email protected].

Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) has approved this study (HREC number HRE2025-0427). Should you wish to discuss the study with someone not directly involved, in particular, any matters concerning the conduct of the study or your rights as a participant, or you wish to make a confidential complaint, you may contact the Ethics Officer on (08) 9266 9223 or the Manager, Research Integrity on (08) 9266 7093 or email [email protected]

I understand that by ticking the box below:

I have read the information above, and I understand its contents.
I believe I understand the purpose, extent and possible risks of my involvement in this project.
I voluntarily consent to take part in this research project.
I am satisfied with the information provided to complete the survey without anticipated complications.
I understand that Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee has approved this project and will be carried out in line with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023).
I understand I may exit at any point during the survey by closing my browser.
I understand that exiting the survey will automatically submit my results up until the point of closure.
I understand that my email address (only necessary if you opt to enter the prize draw and/or request the research findings) will not be linked to my responses to this survey.
I understand I need to finish the survey to have an opportunity to enter the prize draw.
I understand I can request a summary of the findings upon request at the completion of the survey or by emailing the researchers.

I have received information regarding this research, and I believe I understand the purpose, extent, and possible risks of my involvement in this project, and I voluntarily consent to take part.
 
neversickanymore said:
Welcome to BL please remember to post results.. i wasn’t even aware that nitrous was addictive
Click to expand...
Not sure we would say nitrous is addictive, but there are some examples of people who use chronically. There is some controversy about whether it is addictive, e.g. what the addictive pathways in the brain would be for it.

Here's some reading about it.
 
neversickanymore said:
what is the mechanism of addiction for NO and in general huffing?
Click to expand...
@Tronica @neversickanymore
I am exploring this in my survey, I can keep this thread updated as it progresses :)?

To keep it brief, there has been debate on the addictive potential of N2O. The transience in psychoactive effects, and absence of classical withdrawal symptoms were features of the substances profile that excluded it from being considered addictive. On the contrary, a systematic review (Back et al., 2013) found that people's behaviours motivated by N2O use reflected the DSM-5's criteria for a clinical diagnosis of substance use disorder (SUD). 4/11 criteria were regularly endorsed, surpassing the threshold of 2 criteria being endorsed for a diagnosis of SUD.

I am also going to employ a biopsychosocial model to consider multiple factors (such as individual differences and psychological distress) that may have correlational value with N2O dependence (or high-volume consumers).

I hope this helps paint the picture a little bit? please let me know if you would like to know more, and I will try my best.

Kind regards, L
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top