It is now an illegal illicit drug in Australia. GHB is sometimes used to spike drinks and has been involved in cases of sexual assault.
It is easy to slip it into a drink, because it has no colour or smell and it can cause drowsiness, sleep and short-term memory loss. This means that victims may not be able to resist or recall a sexual assault. For this reason, it is sometimes known as a ' date rape ' drug.
GHB is a depressant that occurs naturally in the brain 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. GHB comes in a few forms including:. Generally, the effects of GHB are felt within 15 minutes and last for around three hours.
GHB effects vary greatly depending on the amount used. 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. In moderate amounts, GHB can produce feelings of:. 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 tends to increase the intensity of the unpleasant side effects instead. GHB gamma-hydroxybutyrate is produced naturally in the human body in very small amounts. When taken as a recreational drug, and especially when taken in combination with alcohol or other drugs, GHB can be extremely dangerous.
GHB is a central nervous system depressant. That means it makes you sleepy, and slows down your breathing and heart rate. The only current medical use of GHB in Canada is as a treatment for narcolepsy, a rare sleep disorder. Access to pharmaceutical GHB is tightly regulated. GHB that is sold as a street drug is produced illegally using chemicals and processes that vary from lab to lab.
The strength and purity of the final product also vary. When ingested, these substances are converted by the body into GHB. In its liquid form, GHB looks like water.
It has no smell, and is tasteless or has a slightly salty or solvent taste that can be easily masked. It is usually sold as a liquid in small vials.
GHB is also available as a white powder or capsule. Users of GHB include body builders who believe the drug can help to reduce fat and build muscles.
GHB also stimulates human growth hormone. Some users claim GHB enhances sexuality. People who experience cataplexy sudden loss of muscle tone associated with narcolepsy may be prescribed GHB in its pharmaceutical form, known as Xyrem. For people with this condition, taking the drug at night helps to reduce daytime sleepiness. A survey of Ontario students in grades 7 to 12 reported that 0.
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. This can increase the risk of going under, and delay the time it takes for G to take effect — interfering with safe dosing intervals. A number of deaths have been caused by G. Death can result from overdose, or severe withdrawal syndrome.
Using G with other depressant drugs, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines and ketamine can increase the risk of going under and stopping breathing. In some cases, people might be hospitalised after using G. G is addictive and dependence can develop quickly. Dependence mean people will develop withdrawal symptoms on stopping use, which can be severe and life-threatening.
The sedative properties of G can leave a person incoherent or comatose, so unable to give sexual consent. Taking G can put you at risk of sexual assault. Updated March American Addiction Centers. How to tell if someone is on drugs: Opiates, marijuana, and more.
American Academy of Family Physicians. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate detoxification by titration and tapering. European Addiction Research. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Commonly Abused Drug Charts. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellMind.
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I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Signs of Use. Common Questions.
Tolerance, Dependence, and Withdrawal. How to Get Help. Vomiting Loss of a gag reflex Loss of control over bodily movements Shaking, tremors, or seizures Loss of consciousness and unresponsiveness Lack of pain response Rapid side-to-side eye movement Profuse sweating Reduced body temperature Respiratory breathing slowed below 15—20 breaths per minute. Signs and Symptoms of Addiction to Watch For.
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