| |
GHB
Gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB, but known as GBH or liquid E on the street) is an anaesthetic/sedative usually sold as a clear liquid in plastic bottles, which is swallowed, but it occasionally comes as capsules or a powder. It was originally used to put people to sleep before an operation. |
|
|
Why people use it
Small amounts of GHB make you feel relaxed, happy and less inhibited. Some people say that the effects are rather like those of ecstasy, though the drug is not a stimulant/upper and has more in common with a depressant/downer such as alcohol. Larger amounts lead to drowsiness and sedation. The effects come on after about 10 minutes and can last a day or more
GHB has been used by body-builders because it encourages the secretion of growth hormone by the brain.
Why people may wish they hadn't
In the short term
High doses can lead to confusion, nausea, vomiting, stiffness, convulsions, collapse, coma and even death by breathing failure. However, there are no recorded cases of deaths from overdose.
In the long term
Both physical and psychological dependence are possible, but there has been no research into the long-term effects of the drug.
Special risks
- The difference between a dose that produces the desired effects and an overdose is very small with GHB.
- Using GHB with other downers – including alcohol – is particularly dangerous.
- There is no way of knowing the strength of GHB, and it may contain dangerous impurities. Testing a very small amount may reduce the risks.
Legal status
GHB is not a controlled drug, but it's classed as a medicine, so production and supply could be illegal.
contents
|
|
