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, sociability and an increased sex drive. GHB acts as a nervous system depressant and carries a risk of dependence. Even a small increase in dose can cause serious effects or death.

GHB comes in a few forms, including a clear liquid and, less commonly, crystals or powder. It is often called ’liquid ecstasy’, but it is a completely different drug to ecstasy. Other names for GHB include grievous bodily harm (GBH) and fantasy.

How is GHB used?#

GHB is usually swallowed, but it is sometimes injected or inserted anally. It 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 It was widely available in the 1980s but has since been withdrawn from medical use in many countries because of its unwanted side effects, and it is an illegal drug in many places.

How does GHB work?#

GHB is a depressant with sedative and anaesthetic effects. Depressant substances slow down the activity of the brain and the rest of the central nervous system.

The effects of GHB are generally felt within 15 minutes and last around 3 to 4 hours. They vary greatly depending on the amount used: smaller doses can be more stimulating, while larger doses are more sedative.

A small increase in the amount taken can cause a dramatic increase in its effects. This is one of the most dangerous things about GHB, because there is only a very small difference between the amount that produces the desired effect and the amount that causes an overdose. If you do use it, always test a small amount first and wait to feel the effects.

Short-term effects#

The short-term effects of GHB can include:

• relaxation, drowsiness and sociability
• euphoria and lack of inhibition
• increased sex drive and heightened sensitivity to touch
• dizziness, vomiting and tremors
• tunnel vision and loss of coordination (ataxia)
• confusion, irritation and agitation
• hallucinations
• blackouts and memory lapses
• seizures
• coma

Dependence, tolerance and withdrawal#

GHB dependence can be psychological, physical or both. People who use GHB regularly can develop tolerance and dependence very quickly. This means they need larger and larger doses to achieve the same effect, which also increases the intensity of the unpleasant side effects.

If you are dependent on GHB and stop taking it, you may experience withdrawal symptoms as your body readjusts to functioning without the drug. 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 cause serious symptoms and may require medical assistance.

Long-term effects#

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

• severe memory problems
• heart disease
• hallucinations
• extreme anxiety
• breathing problems

Mixing GHB with other drugs#

The risk of overdose increases when GHB is combined with other drugs. Combining GHB with alcohol can lead to nausea, vomiting and unconsciousness, even at low doses. Taking GHB with other drugs such as benzodiazepines, opioids and ketamine is also particularly dangerous, as is mixing it with amphetamines or MDMA (ecstasy).

GHB overdose#

Signs of a GHB overdose can include:

• vomiting
• irregular or shallow breathing
• confusion, irritation and agitation
• hallucinations
• blackouts and memory loss
• unconsciousness that can last for 3 to 4 hours
• seizures
• respiratory arrest (stopping breathing)
• death

A quick response can save a person’s life.

In an emergency, call for help#

If someone you are with overdoses, or has an adverse reaction while using GHB, dial your local emergency number (for example 911 in the US and Canada, 112 across the EU and many countries, 999 in the UK, or 000 in Australia) to call an ambulance immediately.

Don’t delay getting help because you think you or your friend might get into trouble. Ambulance officers are generally 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.

Help for GHB dependence#

Treatment and support are available. See your doctor for information and referral, or contact an alcohol and other drug service in your area.

Key points#

• GHB is a central nervous system depressant that carries a high risk of dependence.
• The gap between a dose that produces the desired effect and one that causes overdose is very small, so even a small increase can be dangerous.
• Mixing GHB with alcohol or other drugs greatly increases the risk of overdose.
• Withdrawal can be serious and life threatening, so seek medical advice before stopping.
• In an overdose or emergency, call an ambulance immediately and stay with the person.

Where to get help#