GHB

 

Medicinal uses

GHB has been used in Europe as a general anesthetic, a treatment for insomnia and narcolepsy (a daytime sleeping disorder), an aid to childbirth (increasing strength of contractions, decreasing pain and increasing dilation of the cervix) and a treatment for alcoholism and alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Prior to 1990 GHB was available as an over-the-counter pill or powder in the USA, sold mostly in health food stores. It was banned as such in 1990 by the FDA because of deaths or serious illnesses related to its use and is now illegal for any person to produce or sell GHB in the USA.
GHB is not prescribed or made available in the UK because of its side effects.

 

How does it work?

GHB is found naturally in every cell in the human body. Some scientists believe it acts as a neurotransmitter, although the jury is still out on this. It is very similar to another natural chemical in our brains called Gamma Amino Butyric Acid, or GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter in our brain that slows down or inhibits certain activities. GHB is thought to act like GABA, perhaps indirectly affecting the same receptors.

 

Abuse of GHB

GHB is easily made from fairly common chemicals and it's often manufactured in 'kitchen-sink laboratories'. As such, the potency varies, since it will be home made to various strengths. It's sometimes available as a powder or in a capsule, but most commonly seen as a liquid. In this form, GHB is sold in small bottles (30-40ml) which would be enough for about two or three doses. Bottles cost between 10 and fifteen pounds sterling. It is usually drunk although rarely it is injected.

GHB first appeared on the UK club scene in 1994, starting with London gay venues and is now becoming more generally available in discos and raves etc.

Body builders have also been known to use the drug, as it is supposed to assist the production of muscle-building growth hormones by the body, but there is no evidence to support this claim.

 

What effect does it have?

The effects of GHB can generally be felt within five to twenty minutes after ingestion. They usually last no more than one and a half to three hours, although they can be indefinitely prolonged through repeated dosing. The effects of GHB are very dose-dependent. Small increases in the amount taken lead to significant intensification of the effect.

The effect of GHB at lower doses are a cross between alcohol and the hypnotic sedative Methaqualone Hydroxide (mandrax) that was popular in the 1970's but is no longer prescribed. Inhibitions are lowered in a similar fashion to moderate doses of alcohol.
Most users find that low doses of GHB induces a pleasant state of relaxation and tranquility. Frequent effects are placidity, sensuality, mild euphoria and a tendency to talk. Anxieties and inhibitions tend to dissolve into a feeling of emotional warmth, wellbeing and pleasant drowsiness. The 'morning after' effects of GHB appear to lack the unpleasant characteristics associated with alcohol and other relaxation-oriented drugs.

At higher doses this mild sedative effect gives way to the anaesthetic action of GHB and users experience giddiness, loss of emotional control and interference with mobility and verbal coherence.

 

Consequences of using GHB

Consequences for health

Although it's an anaesthetic, at low to moderate doses GHB works as a sedative rather than a painkiller. It is the sedative effect that drug abusers are looking for. The problem is, the amount of GHB you need to take to feel the sedative effect is very close to the amount needed for anaesthesia - and this is very close to the amount that can cause seizures or coma. Also, as it's a homemade drug, purity will vary and a user could easily take a higher dose than he or she intended. It's a risky business.

Physical side effects and possible damage to health occur mainly when GHB is taken in a dose sufficient for the anaesthetic properties of the drug to start to operate. This can cause nausea, drowsiness, amnesia, vomiting, loss of co-ordination, respiratory problems and occasionally unconsciousness. After excessive use, seizures and coma can occur.

It is not yet clear if users can become tolerant to GHB or become psychologically or physically dependent upon it. However, it seems probable that tolerance and/or psychological dependence could occur in some individuals and a withdrawal syndrome has been reported that may last 3-12 days including insomnia, anxiety and tremor. Little is known of the drug's long term effects on physical health or emotional well-being.

As a sedative drug, there is a very serious risk of overdose or damage to health if GHB is taken with other depressants - such as alcohol. Drinking alcohol with GHB could easily lead to respiratory failure or coma.

Legal Consequences