The Tragedy of Helium Abuse

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The Tragedy of Helium Abuse

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BURBANK (Digital Dementia News Services) - Former singer/performer Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees appeared on Oprah and confessed that he and his brothers were hard-core helium junkies during most of their singing careers.  In a heart-rending interview with the Queen of Blab the aging pop star said that he was in and out of helium de-tox centers for so many times he couldn’t remember.  In a voice choked with emotion, he recalled how his brother, Maurice, died from health complications brought on by years of helium inhalation. 

Barry Gibb was a member of the Bee Gees, a pop band in the 1970s known for their high-pitched falsetto screeching.  At the time it was rumored that their unique singing style was attributable to their penchant for wearing tight-fitting spandex mini-briefs under their shiny polyester outfits instead of roomier boxers.  Few suspected the dark truth.  Indeed, helium addiction has only recently been recognized for the widespread problem that it really is. 

Since the Gibbs interview on Oprah several other performers have chosen to come out of the helium closet.  Such notables as Wayne Newton, Willie Nelson and Kermit-the-Frog have admitted to using helium as a means of enhancing their on-stage performances.  Although he has yet to admit anything, many suspect that Michael Jackson is another long-time helium junkie. 

While helium abuse is now becoming more widespread and receiving more attention as a menace to health, it is not new.  In the late 1950s and early 1960s famed Italian mouse Topo Gigio was a heavy helium abuser.  Topo Gigio was a frequent performer on the Ed Sullivan show before his helium addiction got the better of him.  Topo died destitute and alone, a street bum in Palermo. 

In addition to its voice-altering qualities, helium inhalation induces a sense of euphoria.  Prolonged use often leads to the progressive loss of body hair. 

Helium remains unregulated and can be purchased without a prescription.  It is readily available in most major cities and has become increasingly popular with American youth, particularly those still less than 10 years of age. 

Some health experts worry that helium may be a gateway gas.  Although unproven, many in the field suspect that helium abuse is often a precursor to the use of harder inhalants such as nitrous oxide, vaporous benzene and, eventually superglue.