GHB

GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate)

Nicknames:

GBH, grievous bodily harm, liquid X, liquid E, gammo-O, etc.

What is it used for?

GHB is one of the strangest drugs you are likely to come across. Although it's never been used medically in the UK, elsewhere it has been used to treat depression, stress, sleep disorders and withdrawal symptoms in recovering alcoholics and drug withdrawal symptoms. It's also been used as an aid for childbirth. The drug was once sold in health food stores to body builders, but was pulled off the market in 1990 because of its bad side effects. GHB has been associated with "Drug rape" as it has similar effects to Rohypnol, in that it can cause you to lose control, and make you particularly vulnerable.

What does it look like?

It usually comes in a powder or in a clear liquid form.

Will I be able to tell that my drinks been spiked?

It's very doubtful, as it's an odourless liquid, which tastes slightly salty but is undetectable when in a drink. See rape & assault for more information.

What are the effects of the drug?

Drugs can affect you in different ways, depending on the mood you're in when you take the drug, if the drug has been mixed with alcohol, where you are, who you're with and the amount taken. GHB is a drug that can have different effects depending on the dosage. Lower doses can have the same effects as alcohol; make you feel relaxed, happy and sociable. Higher doses can cause dizziness, confusion, slurring of speech, memory loss, vomiting and loss of consciousness.

How long do the effects last?

It entirely depends on the dosage. It can be anything from 5 minutes to an hour, while other users have reported the effects lasting all day.

Contacts

The contacts database contains details of organisations that may be able to offer information or assistance on this issue.
Search the database »

Other drugs:

Reproduced with kind permission of NHS Direct Wales - www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/theroom