GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is an illegal drug that acts as a nervous system depressant. It is also called grievous bodily harm (GBH) or fantasy. GHB is highly addictive. It produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, sociability and an increased urge for s**. However, even a small increase in dose can cause serious effects or death. GHB has been used to spike drinks and as a ‘d********’ drug.Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, or GHB, is an illegal drug sometimes used as a ‘party drug’ in the dance and club scene. It produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation and sociability and an increased urge for s**. GHB acts as a nervous system depressant and is highly addictive. Even a small increase in dose can cause serious effects or death.
GHB is often known as ‘liquid ecstasy’ but it is a completely different drug to ecstasy. Other names for GHB include grievous bodily harm (GBH) or fantasy.
How GHB is used
GHB was first manufactured and studied in the 1960s and used as a general anaesthetic. It was also widely available in the 1980s as a dietary supplement and bodybuilding product. GHB has since been withdrawn from use in many countries because of unwanted side effects. It is now an illegal (illicit) drug in Australia.
GHB is sometimes used to spike drinks and has been involved in cases of s***** assault. It is easy to slip into a drink because it has no colour or smell and it can cause drowsiness, sleep and short-term memory loss. This means that victims may not be able to resist or recall a s***** assault. For this reason, it is sometimes known as a ‘d********’ drug.
How GHB works
GHB is a depressant that occurs naturally in the brain and has sedative and anaesthetic effects. Depressant substances slow down the activity of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. Other drugs that have depressant effects include alcohol, heroin and benzodiazepines.
GHB comes in a few forms including: A colourless, odourless, bitter or salty-tasting liquid – sold in small bottles or vials
A coloured liquid
A crystal powder (this is less common).
Common effects of GHB
Generally, the effects of GHB are felt within 15 minutes and last for around three hours. GHB effects vary greatly depending on the amount used. A small increase in amount can result in a dramatic increase in its effects. This is one of the most dangerous aspects of using GHB. There is a very small difference between the amount a person may take to produce the desired effect and the amount that results in overdose.
In moderate amounts, GHB can produce feelings of: Relaxation
Drowsiness
Sociability
Euphoria
Lack of inhibition
An increased urge for s**
Heightened sensitivity to touch.
High dose effects
High doses of GHB can result in: Dizziness
Vomiting
Tremors
Tunnel vision
Loss of coordination (ataxia)
Confusion, irritation and agitation
Hallucinations
Blackouts and memory lapses
Seizures
Coma
Respiratory arrest (stop breathing) and death.
Dependence, tolerance and withdrawal
Dependence can be psychological, physical or both. Regular users of GHB can develop a tolerance and dependence very quickly. This means they want to take larger and larger doses to try and achieve the same effect. However, this tends to increase the intensity of the unpleasant side effects instead.
If a physically dependent person stops taking GHB, they may experience withdrawal symptoms because their body has to readjust to functioning without GHB. Withdrawal symptoms usually start about 12 hours after the last dose and can continue for about 15 days. Sudden withdrawal from high doses may result in serious symptoms and may require medical assistance.
Damage caused by long-term GHB use
Little research is known about the long-term effects of GHB but it is thought to be highly addictive.
GHB overdose
Overdoses of GHB have been linked to at least 10 deaths in Australia. The risk of overdose increases when GHB is combined with other drugs or alcohol. Combining GHB with alcohol can lead to nausea, vomiting and unconsciousness, even at low dose levels.
Signs of overdose include: Person appears to be asleep but cannot be woken.
Person is incoherent, sweating profusely, vomiting and has irregular or shallow breathing.
Person is not able to stand, has involuntary muscle contractions or both.
GHB that is not manufactured correctly may result in an extremely toxic mixture of GHB and sodium hydroxide.
In an emergency, call for help
If someone you are with overdoses, or has an adverse reaction while using GHB, dial triple zero (000) to call an ambulance immediately. A quick response can save the person’s life. Don’t delay getting help because you think you or your friend might get into trouble. Ambulance officers are not obliged to call the police.
Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives and tell the ambulance officers as much as you can about what drugs were taken, how long ago and any pre-existing medical conditions the person may have.
Type of help available
Treatment options for drug addiction include detoxification, individual counselling and group therapy. See your doctor for information and referral, or contact an alcohol and other drug service in your area.