GHB
Post Date: February 8, 2014
Rachel Clark2023-03-28T16:19:33-07:00
GHB
What is GHB?
- GHB is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that produces an alcohol-like intoxication.
- GHB does not work like opioids, a common misconception. It is specifically a “sedative-hypnotic.”
- Almost always consumed orally, GHB typically comes in liquid form and has a salty-soapy taste.
- GBL and BD are two industrial chemicals that are often sold as GHB. They’re prodrugs of GHB, which means that they convert into GHB in the body.
- GBL and BD have a more bitter and unpleasant taste than GHB.
- All three chemicals (GHB, GBL, and BD) are often interchangeably referred to as “G,” which can be dangerous because each of them has a different range of dosages.
What are the effects?
- GHB, GBL, and BD can all make the user feel relaxed and more sociable. G can also increase libido.
- Side effects can include dizziness, sleepiness, minor muscle spasms, nausea, and vomiting (usually dose-dependent).
- At high doses, G can cause seizures or loss of consciousness, wherein the user passes out and cannot be woken up for 4-5 hours (“G’d out”).
- GHB comes on within 30 minutes and lasts 1.5-2.5 hours. GBL comes on faster and has a shorter duration (1-2 hours) than GHB, whereas BD takes longer to feel and has a longer duration (3-5 hours).
What is a typical dose?
- GHB is dosed at 1.5-2.5 g, GBL is dosed at 0.9-1.5 mL, and BD is dosed at 1-2.5 mL.
- Dosing can be difficult because G is typically diluted into water at varying concentrations.
- You don’t always know which of the three substances you’re using, or at what concentrations. There is no at-home test to tell the three apart. Always try a tester dose (0.9 mL) with each new batch. You MUST use a marked oral mL syringe to measure G correctly.
- Wait at least two hours before redosing. Many overdoses have occurred from people not waiting long enough before taking more.
- G can be extremely dose-sensitive. Even a slightly higher dose than normal may cause loss of consciousness for some people.
- At high concentrations GHB tends to settle at the bottom of the bottle, causing later doses to be stronger than earlier ones. Shake your bottle before measuring your dose.
Be careful!
- Combining G with alcohol, opioids, benzos, or any other depressant is very dangerous and can be fatal, even if taken several hours apart.
- Try to dilute your dose in water or juice. GBL can cause chemical burns to your mouth and throat if ingested without dilution. Drink your diluted dose immediately so no one drinks it by accident.
- Don’t store G in a bottle that could be mistaken for water. Adding food color can help prevent this.
- Both GBL and BD will degrade most types of plastic. G should be stored in glass or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers.
- Like any drug, it’s possible to use GHB compulsively and develop a problematic relationship with it. It may be a good idea to take a break if you find yourself regularly using GHB as a coping mechanism, or feeling very anxious at the thought of going without it for a period of time. It is strongly recommended to use G in moderation and avoid daily use.
More harm reduction tips
- If you start to feel dizzy or sick, notify someone immediately. Loss of consciousness can happen very quickly with G. If you feel like you might pass out, lay on your left side right away. Try not to use G alone.
- If someone falls unconscious and cannot be roused, or has a seizure on G, call an ambulance.