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:

• a colourless, odourless, bitter or salty-tasting liquid – sold in small bottles or vials
• a blue coloured liquid
• 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 It was widely available in the 1980s but has since been withdrawn from use in many countries because of unwanted side effects.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 Australia.

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 alcohol, heroin and benzodiazepines.

Short term effects of GHB

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:

• 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
• respiratory arrest (stopping breathing) and death.

GHB – dependence, tolerance and withdrawal

GHB dependence can be psychological, physical or both. People who regularly use 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 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.

Long-term effects of GHB use

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:

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

GHB overdose

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.

Combining GHB and amphetamines or MDMA ( ecstasy) can cause enormous strain on the body increase the risk of seizures.

Signs of overdose 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
• death.

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.

Help available for GHB dependence

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.

Where to get help

• In an emergency, call triple zero (000)
• Your GP (doctor)
• DirectLine Tel. 1800 888 236 – for confidential counselling, information and referral to a registered methadone prescriber
• DrugInfo Tel. 1300 85 85 84 – for alcohol and other drug information
• Path2Help – for support and treatment services
• Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice service (YoDAA), Victoria Tel. (03) 9415 8881 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
• Family Drug Help Tel. 1300 660 068 – for information and support for people concerned about a relative or friend using drugs