LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — Law enforcement is spreading awareness about the dangers of nitrous oxide ahead of a statewide ban on Oct. 1. Lauderdale County Sheriff Joe Hamilton said inhalants are becoming more popular, especially among youth.

"There has been an uptick in this type of use of these substances, and it's something that we're always combating, especially at a school-age level or a young adult level," he said. "Any substance that is unregulated, that folks can get over the counter, especially our youth, is a very dangerous type of substance."

Nitrous oxide is extremely addictive with serious side effects, including seizures, aggression, nerve and brain damage, and even death.

Alabama lawmakers passed Senate Bill 78 earlier this year, banning the sale and consumption of n

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