GHB or GBL Category: Depressants

(also called: GBH, liquid ecstasy, liquid X, gammahydroxybutyrate)

How it’s used

GHB is a synthetic drug used as an anaesthetic. It comes in a clear liquid or in powder form and has a slightly salty taste. You can usually buy it in small bottles to swallow by the capful. The potency varies so there is no ‘safe dose’. GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) and 1,4-butanediol are sold as substitutes for GHB. You can legally buy these as cleaning solvents and they naturally convert to GHB when you swallow them.

Short-term effects

The effects can begin about 20 minutes after consuming and may last up to four hours.
Smaller, weaker doses make you relaxed and calm
If you take stronger doses, you may feel sleepy, dizzy and confused. You may also have nausea, vomiting and muscle spasms
Can lead to convulsions, loss of consciousness, coma and breathing problems
May increase muscle growth in body builders

Long-term effects

We don’t know enough about long-term effects

Other dangers

Risk of overdose
Even a small overdose can cause unconsciousness as some bottles may have a higher concentration of GHB
As it is hard to work out what a safe dose is, you risk taking too much and falling into a coma. If you have been drinking or taking other drugs, it is even harder to judge how much to take
You risk becoming unconscious, especially if you take GHB with alcohol
GHB has been used in cases of rape and assault cases. Your drink may be spiked and you could be sexually assaulted while unconscious

If you are pregnant

Do not use if you are pregnant as we don’t know enough about the risks to your baby.

Addictive

You can become physically and psychologically addicted to GHB very quickly, so your body craves it and you find it hard to cope without it. This only happens to a small percentage of people who use it.

Withdrawal

If you use it often, withdrawal can be severe and last for several days. Symptoms include sleep problems, vertigo and chest pains.

How long does it stay in your system?

A urine test can only detect GHB for a couple of hours.

What help is available?

Self-help support such as Narcotics Anonymous
Counselling or psychotherapy
Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture
Your doctor
Residential treatment programmes (clinics)
Aftercare
One to one or group family support
Contact the Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459 to find out about options in your area

G Campaign

For G harm reduction information, find out more at our campaign page.

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