GHB

How is it used?

GHB/GBL is usually swallowed, but sometimes it’s injected or inserted anally.³

Effects of GHB/GBL

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

GHB/GBL affects everyone differently, based on:

• the amount taken
• the strength of the drug (varies from batch to batch)
• size, weight and health
• whether the person is used to taking it
• whether other drugs are taken around the same time.

The following effects may begin within 15 to 20 minutes of taking GHB/GBL and may last around three to four hours:

• feelings of euphoria
• increased sex drive
• lowered inhibitions
• drowsiness
• tremors
• nausea
• diarrhoea.²

The chemical composition of GHB/GBL can vary a lot and it’s very easy to take too much. The difference between the amount needed to get high and the amount that causes an overdose can be

hard to judge. Being under the influence of GHB/GBL increases the risk of injury due to confusion, dizziness, or abrupt loss of consciousness. ⁴

Overdose

If the dose is too high, you might overdose. Call an ambulance straight away by dialling triple zero (000) if you or someone else has any of these symptoms (ambulance officers don’t need to involve the police):

• vomiting
• irregular or shallow breathing
• confusion, irritation and agitation
• hallucinations
• blackouts and memory loss
• unconsciousness that can last for three to four hours
• death.²

Long-term effects

There is limited information about the impact of long-term GHB/GBL use on people's health. While the main long-term risk is dependence, other reported long-term effects include:

• severe memory problems
• heart disease
• hallucinations
• extreme anxiety
• breathing problems.^4,5

Using GHB/GBL with other drugs

Mixing GHB/GBL with other drugs can have unpredictable effects and increase the risk of harm.

• GHB/GBL and MDMA/methamphetamine: risk of heart strain and respiratory arrest.
• GHB/GBL and nitrous oxide (nangs): can cause impaired coordination, memory loss, passing out.
• GHB/GBL and opioids/ketamine/benzodiazepines: can cause difficulty breathing, passing out, and possible death.^6-8

Using GHB/GBL to help with the symptoms of the come down after using stimulants can lead to a dependence on both drugs.

‘Polydrug use’ is a term for the use of more than one drug or type of drug at the same time or one after another.9 Polydrug use can involve both illicit drugs and legal substances, such as alcohol and medications. Find out more about polydrug use.

Reducing harm

There are ways in which you can reduce the risks associated with using GHB/GBL:

• Use somewhere safe and around people you trust
• Always test a small amount first
• Wait for the effects to wear off before taking more
• Avoid mixing with other drugs especially alcohol and opioids
• Only use short term as dependence can develop rapidly
• If injecting, use a new needle and sterile injecting equipment
• Avoid driving or operating machinery.^6-8

Withdrawal

Giving up GHB/GBL after using it for a long time is challenging because the body has to get used to functioning without it. This is why it’s important to speak to a health professional when planning to stop using GHB/GBL.

Withdrawal symptoms usually start about 6-72 hours after the last dose and can continue for about 5-15 days. These symptoms can include:

• confusion and agitation
• anxiety and panic
• rapid heart rate
• tremor
• vomiting
• paranoia
• visual and auditory hallucinations
• delirium.^7,2

Sudden withdrawal from high doses can result in seizures, slow heart rate, cardiac arrest and renal failure.⁴

Getting help

If your use of GHB/ GBL is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.

Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs

Help and Support Services search

Find a service in your local area from our list. Simply add your location or postcode and filter by service type to quickly discover help near you.

If you're looking for other information or support options, send us an email at druginfo@adf.org.au