GHB

What is GHB?
GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) was once sold in health food stores as a performance-enhancing additive to body building formulas. Although rumored that GHB stimulates muscle growth, this claim has never been proven. GHB is a central nervous system depressant that is abused for its intoxicating effects. In 1990, the FDA banned the use of GHB except under the supervision of a physician because of many reports of severe, uncontrollable side effects.

GHB is also known as the "date-rape" drug of the 1990s. The two main ingredients in GHB are industrial engine degreaser and caustic acid. GHB is a clear, slightly odorless liquid that is often mixed in bottled water. The effects of GHB can be felt within 10 to 20 minutes of ingestion, and may leave the individual feeling as if they are drunk. Low doses can increase sexual pleasure, and loss of inhibition, which contributes to the drug’s popularity. Nausea may also occur. At higher doses, GHB can slow breathing and heart rate to dangerously low levels. Memory loss, fatigue, and deep sleep are often seen with higher doses, which is why rapists use the drug. The effects of the drug make it easy to understand why GHB has the street names "Grievous Bodily Harm" and "Easy-Lay".

Slang terms for GHB also include Gook, Gamma 10, Liquid X, Liquid E, Liquid G, Georgia Home Boy, Soap, Scoop, Salty Water, Somatomax, G-riffick, Cherry Meth, Fantasy, Organic Quaalude, Nature’s Quaalude, and Zonked.

How is GHB used?
GHB is consumed orally in capsule form or as a grainy, white to sandy-colored powder. Powdered GHB is often dissolved in liquids like water or alcoholic beverages and then consumed. However, it is most frequently sold as a slightly salty, clear liquid in small bottles where users pay by the capful or by the teaspoon. Most GHB is created in clandestine laboratories where purity and quality cannot be guaranteed. Often substituted for Ecstasy, a capful may cost the user $3 to $5 per dose. GHB is also used as a sedative to come down off stimulants like ephedrine, Ecstasy, speed or cocaine.

What are GHB’s effects?
GHB produces intoxication followed by deep sedation. Once ingested, the drug will being to take effect in 15 minutes to an hour, lasting 1 to 3 hours. GHB can cause nausea, vomiting, delusions, depression, vertigo, visual disturbances, seizures, respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, amnesia, and coma. When combined with alcohol and other drugs, the potential for deadly overdoses escalates rapidly. Numerous overdoses have required emergency room treatment and mechanical assistance to breathe.