General Objective:
The general objective of the study is to analyze the recreational use of nitrous oxide in Spain, considering its contexts and usage dynamics, consumer profiles, motivations, and risk perceptions,
as well as the associated risks and harms, channels of access and commercialization, and existing institutional responses, with the aim of generating useful evidence to guide public policies for prevention and risk reduction within the framework of the National Drug Plan.

Summary:
The recreational use of nitrous oxide has emerged in recent years as an emerging phenomenon in Europe and, to a lesser extent, in Spain, especially among young people and in nighttime leisure contexts.
Its widespread legal availability, low perceived risk, and ambiguous regulatory status make it difficult to identify and address it within traditional drug control frameworks. This study analyzes the recreational use of nitrous oxide in Spain using a qualitative approach, based on a discourse analysis of users and professionals from various fields, complemented by an analysis of institutional sources, scientific literature, and harm reduction materials. The report examines the contexts and modes of use, consumption profiles, motivations and perceptions, associated risks and harms, as well as access channels, the market, and existing institutional responses. The results provide relevant evidence to guide public policies and prevention and risk reduction strategies adapted to the real contexts of consumption.

Keywords:
Nitrous oxide; recreational use; youth; nightlife; inhalants; risks and harms; harm reduction; drug policy; Spain.