Kanye West’s nitrous oxide “addiction” allegations: Everything we know so far

Kanye West is seen exiting a vehicle on February 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pierre Suu/GC Images)
Kanye West is seen exiting a vehicle on February 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pierre Suu/GC Images)

Although Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign delivered an updated Vultures 2 to streaming services last week, the Chicago rapper was making headlines after his former chief of staff Milo Yiannopoulos reportedly claimed that Ye was "addicted to Nitrous Oxide".

The allegations made via Milo's social media handles have since gone viral, with news media outlets reporting on Kanye West's alleged addiction leading to several discussions surrounding the severe side effects of nitrous oxide poisoning.

A 2018 report from Healthline magazine explained the symptoms of an "N.O." overdose, citing possible risks of brain damage, coma, or even death, when they stated:

"An increase in blood pressure may also occur. This can raise the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Brain damage is also a possibility when a person receives a large dose of nitrous oxide without sufficient oxygen. If left untreated, an overdose can cause coma or death."

The allegations against Kanye West imply that the rapper has a "dependence" on nitrous gas, which was revealed in an alleged affidavit for a complaint against Ye's dentist Dr. Thomas P. Connelly.


Everything we know about Kanye West's alleged "nitrous oxide dependence"

On August 07, 2024, Milo Yiannopoulos took to social media to claim that Kanye West's "mental faculties" were being diminished due to his business associates and dentist supposedly getting the rapper "hooked" on Nitrous Oxide.

Dr. Thomas was responsible for installing West's new titanium grill, which he has been seen sporting throughout the year. Milo's initial claims suggested that Ye's addiction to nitrous gas began after his $850,000 grill procedure, with Connelly continuing to supply the rapper with "laughing gas".

The former Yeezy chief of staff claimed that employees witnessed "four large surgical tanks" of N.O. inside Bianca Censori's apartment. Milo also suggested that Dr. Thomas was exploiting Kanye West's mental health and "psychological vulnerabilities" for profit.

"Dr. Thomas P. Connelly categorically denies all false allegations made by Milo Yiannopoulos in his affidavit. Mr. Yiannopoulos, who has admitted in the same affidavit to being motivated by personal grievances, has presented a narrative that is not only factually incorrect but also intentionally misleading." - A spokesperson for Dr. Connelly stated.

Although these claims were disputed by the dentist's representation, Mr. Ted Anastasiou of Arctus Group, last week, Milo Yiannopoulos took to social media to reveal a screen recording of an alleged text chain between himself, Kanye West, and Dr. Thomas P. Connelly from April 14, 2024.

The purported screen recording finds the three individuals engaging in a group discussion regarding Connelly's "long term goal," which seemingly finds him wishing to legalize the "recreational use" of nitrous oxide. Kanye West appears to "heart" the message before requesting for a new delivery of N.O.

"This needs to be a long term goal : get recreational Nitrous legalized. Meanwhile we master the delivery system with a 2 year head start" - Dr. Thomas P. Connelly's alleged text message stated.

Since this news broke Yiannopoulos has supposedly filed a complaint against Dr. Connelly, with the California Dental Board, accusing the dentist of predatory business practices that target wealthy "African-American celebrities".

In an alleged email sent to Mr. Ted Anastasiou Milo claims the DA and FBI are intending on opening a "criminal investigation" into Dr. Thomas and his medical practice. He refers to the dentist as the "Doctor Death of Dentistry" and implies a similar business connection between Connelly and rapper Travis Scott.

The claims brought forward suggest that Dr. Thomas was charging Kanye West $50,000 a month for a supply of nitrous oxide for non-medical use. This story has led to a broader discussion amongst the medical community regarding patient responsibilities.

Although unconfirmed, a claim of this nature lodged with the CDB will very likely be investigated and if found to be true can lead to the potential revocation of Dr. Thomas P. Connelly's dental license as well as accompanying criminal charges.


What is Nitrous Oxide? History, Medical applications, side effects, and more

Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as Laughing Gas, is a medically administered colorless, non-flammable gas that was first synthesized in the late 1700s.

The gas, mixed with O2, is administered via inhalation and is widely used as an anesthetic and analgesic, especially during dental procedures, childbirth, and to medically manage pain and anxiety.

Nitrous oxide Mosa cream charger canisters lie in the gutter of a surburban south London street, on 2nd September 2019, in London, England. (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)
Nitrous oxide Mosa cream charger canisters lie in the gutter of a surburban south London street, on 2nd September 2019, in London, England. (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)

N.O.'s fast circulation, short duration, and onset make it an ideal tool for medical administration that helps patients alleviate pain and stress induced by surgery or procedures causing anxiety.

Since the late 1970s, the euphoric effects of the gas were being abused resulting in N.O. becoming a popular party drug, with young adults inhaling the substance via masks to now transitioning to small silver canisters.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) highlighted "Nitrous Oxide" for having potentially addictive qualities, for its easy administration and temporary highs. The abuse of N.O. has led to several discussions surrounding the substance's easy access, with the UK government banning the gas and marking it as a "Class C" drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Clubgoers inhale nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) on the dance floor during the first annual Halloween party at Studio 54, New York, New York, October 31, 1977 (Photo by Allan Tannenbaum/Getty Images)
Clubgoers inhale nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) on the dance floor during the first annual Halloween party at Studio 54, New York, New York, October 31, 1977 (Photo by Allan Tannenbaum/Getty Images)

Often inhaled via balloons or whipped cream canisters, termed "whippets," the abuse of N.O. can lead to severe health concerns.

As per a report from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, chronic use of nitrous oxide can lead to a deficiency in vitamin B12, which can in turn have serious side effects on the functioning of one's nervous system.

Prolonged exposure has also been reported to cause paralysis and hypoxia, which is a fatal condition that occurs after the oxygen in one's lungs gets displaced resulting in deprived levels of O2 in the body.


Kanye West's alleged addiction and "dependence" on nitrous oxide is a valid concern amongst the rapper's fanbase, given the severity of the side effects that accompany misuse and abuse of this substance.

Quick Links

Edited by Perrin Kapur
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications