GHB use can kill. Because both GHB and alcohol are depressants, mixing the two is very, very dangerous and can be deadly — even if someone has only taken low doses of the drug. Because of its serious effects, GHB has led to emergency medical care for many young people and has killed more users than the drug Ecstasy. Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD. What is it? GHB is an odourless, oily liquid, with a slightly salty taste, usually sold in small bottles or capsules.
The effects usually occur within minutes and last up to hours. GBL is a liquid with a chemical smell and taste. It has a faster onset of action than GHB, and is often more potent — so a smaller dose is required to have the same effect. G is usually swallowed in its liquid form, often mixed with water or a soft drink.
Never mix G with alcohol as these 2 substances interact and can lead to death. Less often it is snorted or inhaled. Injecting G is dangerous. What does it do? Both GHB and GBL are depressant drugs which can produce a high with small doses, and cause sedation with only slightly higher doses. People report that G makes them feel euphoric, with a loss of inhibitions, increased confidence, and a higher sex drive. What are the risks? Avoid mixing G with alcohol. How long a drug can be detected for depends on how much is taken and which testing kit is used.
This is only a general guide. At present, there is little reliable evidence to determine the purity of GBL. People have reported the following withdrawal symptoms: confusion, shaking, epileptic seizure and coma. These withdrawal symptoms are especially likely if the user runs out of the drug and has to suddenly stop taking it. Supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. Like drink-driving, driving when high is dangerous and illegal.
If the police catch people supplying illegal drugs in a home, club, bar or hostel, they can potentially prosecute the landlord, club owner or any other person concerned in the management of the premises.
GHB commonly comes as a colourless, odourless, bitter or salty tasting liquid, usually sold in small bottles or vials. In the s GHB was marketed as a dietary supplement for body builders. GHB has also been used as a treatment for the sleep disorder narcolepsy and in the treatment of alcohol dependence. GHB has been used to facilitate sexual assault. This means that victims may not be able to resist or recall a sexual assault.
Others take it because it makes them relax, feel more sociable and lose their inhibitions. Effects vary from person to person, and may be immediate or long-term effects. They will depend on the size, weight and health of the person taking GHB, whether they are used to taking the drug, whether other drugs are present in their body, and of course, the amount taken.
It can be very hard to judge the amount taken, as the quality and strength of drugs can vary greatly from one batch to another. There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk—even medications can produce unwanted side effects. It is important to be careful when taking any type of drug. The effects of GHB may start to be felt within 15—20 minutes and last for approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Some of the effects that may be experienced after taking GHB include:. At this stage, little is known about the long-term effects of GHB use, but we do know that it can be highly addictive. People who use GHB regularly can develop dependence and tolerance to it, which means they need to take larger amounts of GHB to get the same effect. If GHB is taken with other depressant drugs such as alcohol or benzodiazepines , the chance of overdose is increased.
If GHB is taken with stimulant drugs such as amphetamines or ecstasy , the body will be put under a lot of stress as it tries to deal with the competing effects. There is evidence that after prolonged use, GHB is highly addictive.
Dependence on GHB can be psychological, physical, or both. People who are dependent on GHB find that using the drug becomes far more important than other activities in their life.
They crave the drug and find it very difficult to stop using it.
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