Gammahydroxybutrate/Gammabutyrolactone, Liquid ecstasy, GBH, Geeb, G.

What is GHB/GBL?GHB/GBL is a depressant drug. This means that it slows the activity of the central nervous system and the messages going between the brain and the body. It does not necessarily make a person feel depressed.

What does GHB/GBL look like?G can be found in liquid, powder or capsule form. It is most commonly sold as a colourless, odourless salty liquid in small bottles. It has legitimate uses as a cleaning fluid, and can be found in alloy wheel cleaner and rust remover.

How do people take GHB/GBL?G is most commonly used in liquid form. It can be measured in capfuls, eye droppers, syringes or teaspoons. It is often mixed with a drink but can be taken neat. Users tend to re-dose frequently due to G’s short life-span in the body.

What are the effects?In low doses people may experience; relaxation, euphoria, heightened sex drive and increased sensuality and sociability. At higher doses users may experience; dizziness, nausea, confusion, drowsiness, seizures, temporary amnesia, uncontrollable shaking, headaches & unconsciousness.

Withdrawal effects from regular use appear 1-6 hours after use and can include anxiety, tremors, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, paranoia, visual hallucinations, memory problems and aggression. Severe withdrawal can lead to seizures and death. Detox should always be medically supervised.

GHB/GBL

Blenheim Central Office , Cantilever Court, 210 Wandsworth Road, London SW8 2JUTel: 020 7582 2200 Email: info@blenheimcdp.org.uk

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What are the risks?People who use G regularly can quickly develop tolerance. This means that they need more of the drug to get the same effect. There is also an increased risk of fatal overdose when G is taken with other depressant substances such as alcohol, Benzodiazepines or heroin. The difference between a dose of G that induces euphoric effects and one that can lead to unconsciousness, coma and death is very small (only a millilitre or so) so it is very easy to accidently overdose. Increased sex drive with decreased inhibitions can lead to an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections. G also Interacts with HIV medications making them less effective. Because G can cause unconsciousness and amnesia, there is also a high risk of drug assisted sexual assault.

G causes physical dependence when taken regularly. People can experience severe withdrawal symptoms if they stop using suddenly. These symptoms can include; sweats, shakes, feelings of paranoia, severe anxiety, fits, coma and death. Reducing and stopping G should always be medically supervised. Some people who have been taking higher doses of G for extended periods of time will need to be admitted to hospital or a specialist detox clinic in order to manage their detox safely. However, most detoxes are managed in the community without hospital admission.

Is it addictive?G is highly addictive and users can quickly develop a physical and psychological dependence. Stopping G use suddenly can cause fits and even death.

What is the law?GHB/GBL is controlled under Class C of the Misuse of Drugs Act. Possession could result in a 2 year prison sentence and an unlimited fine. Supplying, which includes giving G to friends, could mean up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.

August 2016

Blenheim Central Office , Cantilever Court, 210 Wandsworth Road, London SW8 2JUTel: 020 7582 2200 Email: info@blenheimcdp.org.uk