GHB

How is it used?

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

Effects of GHB

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 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 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 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 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 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^{4, 5}
• breathing problems.

Using GHB with other drugs

The effects of taking GHB with other drugs – including over-the-counter or prescribed medications – can be unpredictable and dangerous, and could have the following effects:

GHB + alcohol or benzodiazepines: chance of overdose is greatly increased.

GHB + amphetamines or ecstasy: enormous strain on the body and risk of seizures.³

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

Withdrawal

Giving up GHB 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.

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 is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, you can find help and support.