Nitrogen narcosis, why diving is almost like drinking

  • Nitrogen narcosis
Nitrogen narcosis
 

It is for good reason that the nitrogen narcosis sometimes suffered by deep sea divers is called "the rapture of the deep". Likened to mild drunkenness, it is caused by the increasing pressure of nitrogen, specially at 30m depth or more. As with alcohol, nitrogen narcosis affects almost everyone although some individuals are more susceptible than others. The euphoric effects abate as the diver loses depth and returns to the surface. No hangover!