GHB

GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) is a depressant.

It is also known as ‘G’, fantasy, grievous bodily harm (GBH), liquid ecstasy, liquid E, liquid X, and blue nitro. It used to be used as a legal anaesthetic but is now mostly (but not always) illegally used as a drug at parties and clubs.

It is usually a clear liquid with a bitter or salty taste and no smell. Often it is sold in small bottles or in soy sauce fish. It also comes as a bright blue liquid, known as ‘blue nitro', and less commonly as a crystal powder. GHB is usually swallowed but is sometimes injected.

The effects of GHB include: feeling really happy, calm, sleepy and reduced inhibitions. If taken orally the high is usually felt within 15-20 minutes and lasts between three and four hours. If injected the high is usually felt immediately.

An overdose of GHB can result in feeling confused or not being able to talk, a lot of sweating, vomiting, irregular or shallow breathing, involuntary muscle contractions, passing out and difficulty being woken up. Call an ambulance if any of these symptoms occur.

If you use GHB it is important to know how to be as safe as possible:

• Start with a small dose as it is hard to know the strength of the drug

• Buy from a known and trusted source so they can enquire about strength and purity.

• There is a really small difference between a nice dose and enough to make you overdose

• It’s important to know that mixing alcohol and other drugs including prescription medication with GHB will increase the likelihood of overdose.

• Use in a safe environment with someone sober and who knows how to help if anything does go wrong

• Avoid taking more GHB if it has not achieved the desired effect

• There have been no reported deaths of a person who has overdosed on GHB if they have been taken to hospital

See the Australian Drug Foundation for more drug facts