GHB

What is GHB? Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, or GHB, is an illegal drug that is sometimes used as a ‘party drug’. It produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation and sociability, and an increased sex- drive. GHB acts as a nervous system depressant and poses a risk for dependence.

Even a small increase in dose can cause serious effects or death.

GHB comes in a few forms including: crystals or powder (this is less common)

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 is GHB used? GHB is usually swallowed, but sometimes it’s injected or inserted anally. GHB was first manufactured and studied in the 1960s and used as a general anaesthetic.

It was widely available in the 1980s but has since been withdrawn from use in many countries because of unwanted side effects. It is an illegal (illicit) drug in United States.

How does GHB work? GHB is a depressant 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 Generally, the effects of GHB are felt within 15 minutes and last for around 3 to 4 hours. GHB effects vary greatly depending on the amount used, smaller doses can be more stimulating and larger doses can be more sedative.

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.

Always test a small amount first and wait to feel the effects. The effects of GHB can include:

• respiratory arrest (stopping breathing)
• death. GHB dependence can be psychological
• physical or both. People who regularly use GHB can develop a tolerance
• dependence very quickly

This means they want to take larger and larger doses to try and achieve the same effect.

However, this can also increase the intensity of the unpleasant side effects.

If you are dependent on GHB and you stop taking it, you may experience withdrawal symptoms because your body has to readjust to functioning without GHB.

If you want to stop using GHB, speak to a medical professional first.

Withdrawal symptoms can be very serious and potentially life threatening

They 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. Information on the long-term effects of GHB is limited, but the drug is known to pose a risk for dependence. Other reported long-term effects include: breathing problems.

The risk of overdose increases when GHB is combined with other drugs such as alcohol. Combining GHB with alcohol can lead to nausea, vomiting and unconsciousness, even at low-dose levels. Taking GHB with other drugs like benzodiazepines, opioids and ketamine is also particularly dangerous.

Signs of overdose include: death

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.

See your doctor for information and referral, or contact an alcohol and other drug service in your area. (YoDAA), Michigan Tel.

Short term effects of GHB relaxation drowsiness sociability euphoria lack of inhibition increased sex drive heightened sensitivity to touch dizziness vomiting tremors tunnel vision loss of coordination (ataxia) confusion, irritation and agitation hallucinations blackouts and memory lapses seizures coma GHB – dependence, tolerance and withdrawal Long-term effects of GHB use severe memory problems heart disease hallucinations extreme anxiety GHB overdose Combining GHB and amphetamines or MDMA ( ecstasy vomiting irregular or shallow breathing confusion, irritation and agitation hallucinations blackouts and memory loss unconsciousness that can last for 3 to 4 hours seizures In an emergency, call for help If someone you are with overdoses, or has an adverse reaction while using GHB, dial 911 to call an ambulance immediately Help available for GHB dependence Treatment options Where to get help In an emergency, call 911 Your GP (doctor) DirectLine 1800 888 236 – for confidential counselling, information and referral to a registered methadone prescriber DrugInfo 1300 85 85 84 – for alcohol and other drug information Path2Help – for support and treatment services Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice service (616) 555-0200 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) Family Drug Help (616) 555-0400 – for information and support for people concerned about a relative or friend using drugs.

Key Points

• GHB acts as a nervous system depressant and poses a risk for dependence
• Even a small increase in dose can cause serious effects or death
• GHB comes in a few forms including: crystals or powder (this is less common)
• Withdrawal symptoms can be very serious and potentially life threatening
• Sudden withdrawal from high doses may result in serious symptoms and may require medical assistance