GHB

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Gina
Geebs
Juice

Scientific Names: Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB), Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BD)

Generic Names: GHB and Related Substances (GHBRS).

GHB and Related Substances (GHBRS).: GHB, GBL, 1,4-BD

You cannot always be sure that what you buy is what you get, but if you want to send any substance off for testing, you can send it to WEDINOS

What does it look like?

GHBRS (GHB and Related Substances) is the name given to GHB and two similar drugs, GBL and 1,4-BD. These two drugs quickly convert into GHB when taken into the body, so the effects are almost identical, although GBL is more potent than GHB. In the 1990s GHB was used by clubbers for recreational purposes and bodybuilders in the belief it promoted muscle growth, although since it became a controlled drug, it is rarely used by these groups. In recent years the use of GHBRS has been almost exclusively confined to gay man and the chemsex scene. It is almost always sold in small or larger bottles as a colourless liquid that has a weak odour and an unpleasant chemical taste.

Effects of GHB

Desired Effects:

Euphoria
Decreased inhibition
Relaxation
Heightened sex drive, increased erections and orgasm.

Side Effects:

Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness
Disorientation
Agitation, aggression
Paranoia
Short-term memory loss.

Harm Reduction

When sold as a solution varies in concentration, so it is very difficult to judge how strong it is, and you can't rely on what you may have been told. Do not assume that you should take the same amount as your friends, different people react very differently to GHBRS.
Use tiny amounts and wait two hours before redosing. Having more than half a teaspoon (2.5ml) in your body at any one time can put you at risk of overdose.
Always measure dosage carefully; never swig from a bottle. As there is very little way of working out how pure or how concentrated/diluted your GBL is, extreme caution should be used when measuring doses. For precise measuring, try using a 1 or 2ml syringe, or if using a pipette or eye dropper ensure that it is marked in millilitres.
Do not mix with other drugs especially alcohol, other sedatives or depressants or ketamine.
GHB and GBL can have a significant effect on our senses, coordination and thinking which means that you can also be vulnerable to accidents or assaults.
Stay with friends to avoid being in a vulnerable position on your own.
Do not take drinks from strangers, or leave glasses unattended because someone might spike your drink; GHB and GBL have been linked to drug assisted sexual assault.
If someone is suffering bad effects like vomiting, convulsions, unconsciousness - put them in the recovery position and call for medical assistance immediately.
As unconsciousness is common try to make sure a friend is around who is not using the drug. If a user becomes unconscious but is still breathing call an ambulance then place them in the recovery position to prevent choking. Check that they are still breathing; if they wake up don’t give them anything to eat or drink. If you leave them alone they may die. Stay until the ambulance arrives.
Avoid frequent use to prevent dependency developing.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of withdrawal from GHBRS please seek medical advice before stopping.

Risks

Long term risks:

Tolerance and physical dependence. People who become dependent on GHBRS may need to take the drug every few hours to prevent withdrawal symptoms developing. Sudden withdrawal poses dangerous health risks and can be fatal so often requires an in-patient detox.

Short term risks:

Overdose
Convulsions
Coma or respiratory collapse leading to death.

Risk of overdose is greatly increased if alcohol is used at the same time. GHB and GBL have been found to reduce the efficiency of some HIV medication and have also been implicated in sexual assaults or ‘date rapes’.

How does GHB work?

GHB acts mainly as a central nervous system depressant

Legal status of GHB

Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB), Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BD) are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act as Class B drugs.

How is GHB taken?

Orally, usually in tiny doses. 2mls, less than half a teaspoon, is considered a strong dose. GBL has a very steep dose-response curve, meaning that it can only take a tiny amount to push the user from having a good time to experiencing accidental overdose, unconsciousness, coma or even death

Paraphernalia

GHB is usually sold in small plastic bottles, containing around 40ml.

Medical uses of GHB

As a pre-surgery sedative, treatment for cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy (sleep disorder).

Where Does it Come From?

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is found naturally in tiny quantities in the human body. The GHB that is available as a street drug or medication is manufactured but is still the same compound. GHB is mostly made and distributed illicitly, unless manufactured pharmaceutically for the medical industry.

Helping Services

Most areas of the UK have ‘street agencies’ or projects (sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams) which offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, needle exchange, and sometimes support groups and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. Some services have extended working hours and may offer weekend support. If use of this substance becomes a problem you can seek help, advice and counselling from a service in your area. GPs can make referrals to specialist drug services. For a description of what the different drug services do, choose helping services from here or the main menu.

Parents & other relatives

Drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents of people using these drugs. Many street agencies can provide relative support groups or counselling for family members, partners etc.