An unnamed Premier League footballer has become the first in the league’s history to enter rehab due to nitrous oxide abuse.
According to The Sun, the player’s family raised concerns and asked the club to intervene after police found dozens of small canisters of nitrous oxide — commonly known as “hippy crack” — in his car. The substance is typically inhaled from balloons to produce an instant high.
A source said: “His family was aware of the situation and asked the club for help. Doctors have recommended that if he wants to save his career, he must enter a specialized treatment center for rehabilitation.”
The source also emphasized that the player is undergoing treatment similar to that of someone addicted to alcohol or other drugs. This is the first case in the Premier League of nitrous oxide rehabilitation, but given the widespread use of the substance among footballers, he is unlikely to be the last.
Since November last year, UK drug laws have changed, classifying nitrous oxide as a Class C controlled substance, meaning possession is now illegal. Although it provides a quick “high,” the gas carries risks of heart pain, stroke, brain damage, and in some cases, even death.
The Sun’s source also revealed that one Premier League star once spent nearly £10,000 on these nitrous oxide canisters.