GHB - Gamma-hydroxbutyrate

Drug Classification: Club Drug

Slang Terms: GHB, Jib, Liquid E, Liquid X, Grievous Bodily Harm, Easy Lay, Blue Nitro, Firewater, Fantasy, Eclipse, Vitamin G (there are more than 80 known names for GHB)

What It Looks Like & How It’s Taken: GHB is a clear liquid that resembles water. It is usually found in a small clear plastic bottle, a water bottle, or even Gatorade bottles, which contain several doses. Occasionally it is found as a white powder.

Effects: GHB causes intoxication, mild disinhibition, loss of coordination due to loss of muscle tone, possible nausea, loss of gag reflex, difficulty concentrating

After/Side Effects: Users feel nausea, headaches, dizziness drowsiness, amnesia, respiratory problems, loss of consciousness, being conscious but unable to move and death – especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs.
Effects of large doses – disinhibition, sedation, desire to sleep, rambling incoherent speech, giddiness, difficulty sleeping, passing out, and death.

Paraphernalia Associated With Use: water bottles, Gatorade bottles

Short Term Consequences of Use: The effects of GHB are generally experienced between 10 and 20 minutes after taking it, and last for up to 4 hours depending on the dose. Some of the side effects such as dizziness have been known to last for several days.

Long Term Consequences of Use: Physical and psychological dependence. Serious withdrawal symptoms, and difficulty quitting are reported once addicted.

Facts & Statistics:
GHB is a potent sedative.
GHB’s liquid form allows it to be slipped into drinks, and its sedative effects prevent victims from resisting sexual assault.
GHB can also cause amnesia, meaning that when people recover from the drug’s effects, they may not remember what happened.

Sources:
http://www.projectghb.org/while_sleeping/sld001.htm - A slide show outlining the dangers of GHB

http://www.health.org/newsroom/rep/189.htm - National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information

http://www.camh.net - Center for Addiction and Mental Health

http://www.projectghb.org - Project GHB, Inc.