GHB basics
Find out all the basics about Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, GHB, in this fact sheet, including what it is, how it works, and how it affects your mental and physical health.
Summary
- Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a highly addictive depressant drug.
- GHB is considered a highly addictive drug, both psychologically and physically.
- Using GHB and alcohol is particularly risky because it not only increases your risk of overdose, but also might delay the onset of the overdose.
What is GHB?
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)- Fantasy, G, Grievous Bodily Harm, GBH, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid E - is a chemical substance that occurs naturally in our brains.
GHB is usually manufactured in home labs by combining the chemical gamma-Butyrolactone with a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. These chemicals combine in a unique reaction creating synthetic GHB. Gamma-Butyrolactone may be ingested on its own, as it will convert to GHB once inside the body. However, this reaction will produce slower effects than pre-synthesised GHB.
The synthetic manufacturing of GHB began in the 1960s for medical use as a general anaesthetic and as a sedative in the treatment of sleeping disorders. However, the unwanted side effects of GHB caused it to be withdrawn in most countries including Australia.
GHB became popular in the 1980s as a body-building supplement due to its ability to stimulate muscle growth but today is most commonly used today recreationally as a party drug. GHB is considered a very dangerous drug and after alcohol is commonly the drug of choice in drink-spiking.
Classification
GHB is classified as a depressant, meaning that it slows down the central nervous system. This slowing down of the central nervous system lowers the heart rate and breathing rate. Due to its sedative and hypnotic properties, GHB often makes people feel quite drowsy.
How is GHB used?
GHB is generally sold in liquid form so that it can be easily swallowed or added to a drink and sipped over an extended period. GHB is generally an odourless, colourless liquid with has a slight salty/ bitter taste. Although GHB is colourless, it is often can come in a variety of colours due to manufacturers and dealers often using coloured food dyes to help distinguish it from other liquids.
GHB liquid is commonly sold in small bottles such as soy sauce containers. GHB is also available in pure powder form or capsule form with a small amount of people choosing to take the drug by injecting or 'shelving' it (inserting the drug into the anus).
A standard dose of pure GHB powder is usually between 1 – 3 grams, but because most GHB on the streets exists in liquid form it can be pretty much impossible for the taker to tell the concentration of the drug.
Potentially, one gram of GHB powder can be dissolved in as little as 1 ml of water. This is one of the reasons why GHB is such a dangerous drug and can quite easily lead to an accidental overdose.
Drink spiking
Liquid GHB can be used in drink-spiking. GHB can quite easily be slipped into someone’s drink unnoticed because it is odourless and relatively flavourless when concentrated.
Its important to remember not to leave your drink unattended when you’re on the dance floor, and pay close attention to your drink when moving around in crowded bars or clubs. GHB can cause drowsiness, dizziness and short-term memory loss, so be wary if you or your friends start to show any of these signs.
Immediate effects of GHB
The effects of GHB usually kick in within 15 minutes of taking the drug and become stronger over the first hour. The effects of GHB often last for around 3 hours.
However, when you buy GHB, it may not actually be GHB but related chemicals called 1,4B (1,4- Butanediol) or GBL (gamma-Butyrolactone). 1,4B and GBL needs to be converted in the body to GHB and this takes time. This time for conversion means the effects are not felt immediately. The effects are further delayed if you drink alcohol.
The immediate effects of low to moderate doses are quite similar to that of mild intoxication from alcohol and include:
- feelings of relaxation
- reduced inhibitions
- euphoria
- increased libido
- lapses in memory
- drowsiness
- dizziness and headache
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- urinary incontinence
- impaired motor skills
- slight tremors
- decreased body temperature, blood pressure, breathing and heart rate
- if mixed with other depressant drugs, such as alcohol, breathing can become dangerously slow and may lead to unconsciousness, coma or death.
A small increase in the amount of GHB taken can result in a dramatic increase in the severity of effects. At higher doses, effects may include:
- extreme drowsiness/grogginess
- disorientation
- agitation
- impaired movement and speech
- reduced muscle tone
- hallucinations
- difficulty focusing the eyes or tunnel vision
- vomiting
- convulsions/ seizures
- blackouts (loss of memory)
- dangerously slowed heart rate
- respiratory arrest
- coma
- death.
It should be remembered that there is a very fine line between getting high with GHB and overdosing.
Effects from regular GHB use
There has been limited research into the long term effects of GHB but GHB is thought to be highly addictive and repeated use of the drug may result in a physical and psychological dependence.
GHB and mental health
There is currently not much research on how GHB affects mental health apart from causing hallucinations.
Is GHB addictive?
GHB is considered a highly addictive drug, both psychologically and physically. Regular users of GHB may develop a tolerance to the drug very quickly meaning that they need larger doses to get the same effects. This increases the chances of overdosing.
People who become dependent on GHB may find that they quickly lose interest in other aspects of their lives and focus on getting and using GHB because of strong cravings. If a regular and physically dependent user of GHB stops taking the drug, withdrawal symptoms usually set in about 12 hours after the last dose and continue for around two weeks.
Symptoms of withdrawal may include psychological symptoms such as confusion, agitation, anxiety, panic, feelings of impending doom, paranoia, delirium, hallucinations and insomnia. Physical symptoms of withdrawal may include tremors, muscle cramps, perspiration and tachycardia (increased heartbeat).
In extreme cases where a regular user suddenly stops taking high doses of GHB, symptoms may also include bowel /bladder incontinence and blackouts, in which case medical assistance may be required.
GHB and the law
It’s illegal to use, possess, or supply GHB in every Australian state. These offences vary from state to state but carry heavy fines and/or prison sentences.
It is also illegal to drive under the influence of drugs. Breaking this law carries penalties including disqualification from driving, heavy fines and/or imprisonment.
This fact sheet was prepared with assistance from the Australian Drug Foundation.
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