Can you get high off of oxygen?

As a respiratory therapist with extensive experience in the field of respiratory care, I can provide you with an informed perspective on the effects of oxygen on the human body. Breathing pure oxygen, especially at concentrations higher than what we are accustomed to in the atmosphere (which is about 21% oxygen), can have physiological effects on the body. However, the idea of "getting high" from oxygen, as implied by the term, is a bit of a misconception. The sensation that some people describe as a "high" from high concentrations of oxygen is likely due to the increased oxygen saturation in the blood, which can lead to a feeling of alertness or a reduction in fatigue. This is because oxygen is essential for cellular respiration and energy production in the body. The statement by Dr. Turowski is accurate. Once your blood has reached its capacity for oxygen, known as oxygen saturation, it cannot absorb more oxygen. The red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen and carries it to the body's tissues. If the hemoglobin is already saturated with oxygen, additional oxygen cannot be effectively transported. It's also important to note that breathing oxygen at concentrations higher than what is found in the atmosphere for extended periods can be dangerous and lead to a condition called oxygen toxicity. Oxygen toxicity can cause symptoms such as seizures, respiratory distress, and in severe cases, it can be fatal. In summary, while a brief exposure to high concentrations of oxygen might produce a temporary feeling of increased alertness, it does not produce the psychoactive effects associated with a "high" from drugs. Prolonged exposure to high oxygen levels is not safe and can lead to serious health complications.

While the air you breathe is made up of 21 percent oxygen, many oxygen bars and canned oxygen products claim to give you about 95 percent oxygen. ... ��Once your blood gets enough oxygen, you can't load any more onto your red blood cells,�� Dr. Turowski says.