Associated names
GBH, Gammahydroxybutyrate, Gabba.

 

Appearance
GHB usually appears as a powder or in a clear liquid form.

 

Methods of use
Mixing powdered GHB powder with orange juice, water or milk is usual as GHB has an unpleasant taste. It is usually swallowed as a liquid.

 

Legal status
In Britain GHB is now covered under the Misuse of Drugs Act, (see below). It is relatively easy to make and extremely easy to make badly. In America badly mixed GHB has resulted in people admitted to hospital with burnt mouths and windpipes.

 

Cost
It can be bought in small bottles from sex shops for about £5 (reportedly a mild dose). It can be bought in little phials or purchased by the cap (£3-10) or in larger bottles (about £30 for coke size bottle) or imported by the tub as a powder.

 

Quality
GHB is most dangerous if either taken in high doses or mixed with alcohol. At a high dose it can lead to unconsciousness and vomiting, this is a common cause of death with any drug including alcohol.

In Britain the use of GHB appears to be growing but is still, not widespread. In short whilst GHB can be and has been used by thousands of people without their coming to any harm, it is all too easy to overdose, especially when mixed with alcohol. Overdose will almost certainly lead to unconsciousness and may well involve breathing difficulties and possible heart problems. It certainly can kill.

 

Effects
Many of the reported side effects are similar to alcohol. You certainly shouldn't attempt to drive a car whilst under the influence.

Other side effects that have been reported include slowing of the heart rate, a change in blood pressure, muscle contractions or seizures. It should therefore be avoided by anybody known to suffer from heart complaints, low or high blood pressure, eclampsia (convulsions) or epilepsy. Diarrhoea and loss of bladder control, temporary amnesia and sleepwalking have also been reported.

GHB is not liquid ecstasy. It is not chemically related to ecstasy or amphetamine or LSD. Its effect at low doses can seem 'ecstasy like' to some people.

At low doses, the effects start between five and 20 minutes after taking it and last for between one and three hours. They can include mild euphoria, a sense of warmth and wellbeing, increased confidence and a loss of inhibitions with an alcoholic-like drowsiness. At high doses GHB will induce sleep.