GHB

ghbGHB occurs naturally in the central nervous system in very small amounts. The use of synthetic GHB produces central nervous system depressing effects including euphoria, drowsiness, decreased anxiety, confusion and memory impairment. Pure GHB is a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning that it has a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medicinal use for treatment in the United States and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. On the other hand, GHB products are Schedule III substances under the Controlled Substances Act. Although GBL is one GHB product that is considered a List I chemical. It was placed on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act in March 2000. However, when sold as GHB products (such as Xyrem®), it is considered Schedule III. It is one of several drugs that are listed in multiple schedules.

GHB is another name for the generic drug sodium oxybate. Xyrem® is the trade name of the FDA approved prescription medication. Analogues that are often substituted for GHB include GBL (gamma butyrolactone) and BD, which is 1-4-butanediol. These analogues are available legally as industrial solvents used to produce polyurethane, pesticides, elastic fibers, pharmaceuticals, coatings on metal or plastic and other industrial products. GBL and BD are also sold as “fish tank cleaner,” “ink stain remover,” “ink cartridge cleaner” and “nail enamel remover” for approximately $100 per bottle. Obviously these are much more expensive than comparable products. Attempts to identify the abuse of GHB analogues are hampered by the fact that routine toxicological screens do not detect the presence of these analogues.

GHB and its analogues are abused for their euphoric and calming effects. Additionally some people believe they build muscles and cause weight loss. This leads to GHB being sold illegally as supplements for bodybuilding, fat loss, reversal of baldness, improved eyesight and to combat; aging, depression, drug addiction and insomnia. It is usually sold as a liquid or as a white powder that is dissolved in a liquid, such as water, juice or alcohol. Liquid GHB is usually packaged in small vials or water bottles. In liquid form, GHB is clear and colorless and slightly salty in taste.

GHB and its analogues are also misused for their ability to increase libido, suggestibility and to cause amnesia (no memory of events while under the influence of the substance). These traits are ones that make users vulnerable to sexual assault and other criminal acts. GHB abuse became popular among teens and young adults at dance clubs and “raves” in the 1990s and gained notoriety as a date rape drug. Since it has a “party drug” reputation GHB can be taken alone but is usually taken in combination with other drugs, such as alcohol, other depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens and marijuana.

The average dose ranges from 1 to 5 grams (depending on the purity of the compound, this can be 1-2 teaspoons mixed in a beverage). However, the concentrations of these “home-brews” have varied so much that users are usually unaware of the actual dose they are drinking. GHB can also produce visual hallucination, excited and aggressive behavior. GHB greatly amplifies the central nervous system depressant effects of alcohol and other depressants. GHB takes effect in your system within 15 to 30 minutes and can last from three to six hours. Low doses of GHB produce nausea while high doses can cause an overdose which results in unconsciousness, seizures, slowed heart rate, greatly slowed breathing, lower body temperature, vomiting, nausea, coma and death.

Regular abuse of GHB can lead to addiction and withdrawal that includes insomnia, anxiety, tremors, increased heart rate and blood pressure and occasional psychotic thoughts. Currently there is no antidote available for GHB intoxication. GHB analogues are known to produce side effects such as topical irritation to the skin and eyes, nausea, vomiting, incontinence, loss of consciousness, seizures, liver damage, kidney failure, respiratory depression and death. GHB analogues are often abused in place of GHB because they are easier to acquire. Both GBL and BD metabolize to GHB when taken and produce effects similar to GHB.

Street names of GHB include: Easy Lay, G, Georgia Home Boy, GHB, Goop, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X and Scoop. CNS depressants such as barbiturates and methaqualone produce effects similar to GHB.

If you or someone you love has a problem with GHB, call our professionals at Sobriety Resources (855)289-2640 today to experience the freedom of sobriety.

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