What is GHB?

GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) is an odorless, colorless liquid with a slightly salty taste. It is classified as a sedative and belongs to the same family of drugs as Rohypnol and ketamine, What is GHB? .

GHB is used as a general anesthetic in Europe. In the USA, the FDA approved GHB for the treatment of narcolepsy (a sleep disorder) in 2002. This approval came with severe restrictions, including the use of GHB only for the treatment of narcolepsy, and the obligation to create an FDA-monitored patient registry..

GHB has been used in this country as a date-rape drug: it can be slipped into the victim's drink, causing dizziness, confusion, drowsiness and sometimes loss of consciousness. When GHB is combined with alcohol, it is particularly dangerous, as the combination of two depressants can lead to overdose. Before the use of GHB was restricted, it was marketed to bodybuilders as a product to release growth hormone and build muscle. There is no evidence that it does this. GHB was also marketed as an «herbal» supplement to help with sleep and depression.

Researchers don't know precisely how GHB affects neurochemistry, but it is considered a very potent sedative, as small doses can have serious effects, such as loss of consciousness. Evidence suggests that it readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, the physiological mechanism that regulates the release of chemicals and nutrients in the brain. It therefore has the ability to act directly on the brain in a way that other drugs do not.

How is GHB used?

GHB is generally consumed in liquid form, but is sometimes found in powder, tablet or capsule form. Because GHB's liquid form varies in strength, and people's reactions to it vary, it's very easy to absorb a dangerous dose of the drug. The effects of the drug begin 10 to 20 minutes after intake and last up to 4 hours.

Why do people take GHB?

GHB can produce hallucinations and feelings of relaxation and euphoria. GHB users also report increased energy, feelings of affection and sociability, mild disinhibition and improved sexual experience.

Are there any short-term risks associated with taking GHB?

Health risks include nausea, loss of coordination, difficulty concentrating and loss of gag reflex. As doses are difficult to quantify, overdosing can occur quite easily, especially when combined with alcohol. Warning signs of GHB overdose may include the following

Vomiting
Intense headaches
Very slow breathing and heart rate
Withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, tremors and sweating
memory loss
Breathing difficulties
Loss of consciousness

Because of the risk of overdose, GHB is perhaps the most dangerous club drug in terms of immediate consequences. GHB has caused 73 deaths since 1995. The number of emergency room admissions for GHB almost quadrupled nationally between 1998 and 2000, with 4,969 cases reported.

As GHB leaves the body relatively quickly, it is not easily detected by medical tests. It's important to report GHB use to a health care professional so you can receive the appropriate medical help.

GHB can easily slip into a person's drink undetected. If you start experiencing symptoms that have nothing to do with what you're drinking, seek help immediately.

Remember that illegal drugs are produced in clandestine laboratories, and you can never be sure what's in the drug or how potent it is. Making GHB from a recipe is also extremely dangerous, as a number of people who didn't formulate GHB correctly have burned their mouths, throats and esophagi with what was essentially an acidic compound.

Is GHB addictive?

Repeated use of GHB can lead to withdrawal effects, including insomnia, anxiety and tremors. The experience of withdrawal is one of the signs of addiction. There are not many statistics on GHB abuse, but available information suggests that GHB abuse is on the increase. A number of cases of GHB dependence have been reported, and it seems that once a person is addicted, GHB is harder to kick than cocaine or heroin. Treatment options remain limited. Because of the severity of GHB withdrawal symptoms, it is imperative to seek professional help during detoxification. Withdrawal can include delirium, disorientation and hallucinations lasting up to two weeks What is GHB.

Is GHB illegal?

The use of GHB is legal only when prescribed to a person for the treatment of narcolepsy. Other types of possession, use, manufacture and sale are punishable by heavy prison sentences, fines and disciplinary sanctions at UCSC.

How can I help a friend with a drug problem?
If you're concerned about a friend's drug or alcohol use, this page contains useful information about different ways to help, What is GHB.