GHB Addiction And Abuse

What Is GHB?

GHB is short for Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (chemical formula C4H8O3). It is a potent central nervous system depressant that produces euphoric, sedative, and relaxing effects by acting on the brain’s GABA receptors.

In the US, it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of narcolepsy (under the brand name Xyrem®). Used illicitly, it is known as a party drug and for the role it can play in sexual assault. Small amounts of GHB are naturally produced in the brain, and it is also present in certain foods and beverages, like:

• Wine
• Beer
• Beef
• Citrus fruits

The amount of GHB produced in the body or found in these foods is minimal compared to the amount that is used as a recreational drug.

Is GHB Addictive?

Using GHB chronically can cause the body to become dependent on the medication, which can lead to addiction.

If the body has become physically dependent on GHB, then stopping the medication can cause unpleasant and sometimes life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Addictive behaviors may develop in an effort to avoid these withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal and other GHB abuse symptoms can be a sign that you or your loved one needs help.

GHB withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Cravings
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Feelings of gloom and doom
• Suddenly feeling cold or warm

GHB does not have a reversal agent in the case of overdose. Instead, overdose and withdrawal symptoms are generally managed by trying to control them. Treatment may be sought in either an inpatient or an outpatient setting.

Understanding GHB addiction and abuse symptoms is essential for identifying when intervention is needed. GHB dependence can develop quickly and requires professional recovery support.

Symptoms Of GHB Addiction

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for substance use disorder include:

• Using GHB for longer than intended or in higher amounts
• Being unable to decrease or stop using GHB, even though you want to
• Prioritizing getting, using, or recovering from GHB use
• Having cravings or urges to use GHB
• Not meeting other obligations, such as work, home, or school, due to substance use
• GHB use causes social or personal problems, but you keep using it anyway
• Giving up other activities or avoiding family and friends to continue using GHB
• Using GHB even in situations that may be dangerous (such as driving)
• Having physical or psychological problems that are worsened by GHB, but using it anyway
• Building tolerance to GHB
• Having GHB withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it

To meet the criteria for a substance use disorder, two or more of these criteria are usually present within one year. If you notice two or more of these in yourself or a loved one, they may be GHB addiction signs.

What Are The Effects Of GHB?

When used to treat narcolepsy, GHB is believed to act on specific neurotransmitters in the brain to improve sleep efficiency.

GHB misuse and abuse can have several effects on the body. GHB has been touted for building muscle and aiding weight loss. It has also been reported to increase libido.

Some of the most common GHB abuse symptoms include nausea, confusion, and loss of consciousness. It also causes amnesia and a sense of euphoria, potentially making people more passive and suggestible, which is one of the reasons that it has gained a reputation as a date rape drug. Other effects of GHB include:

• Lower anxiety
• Sleepiness
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Vomiting

GHB may sometimes have the opposite effect, causing hallucinations and aggressive behavior. In low doses, it may make someone more talkative and socially interactive, while decreasing inhibition.

The effects of GHB start within 15 to 30 minutes of taking the medication and can last for up to three to six hours. At high doses, GHB can cause seizures, low heart rate, slow breathing, and decreased body temperature. GHB can even cause a person to become unconscious, or lead to coma or death.

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What Does GHB Look Like?

GHB is often sold as a clear liquid or white powder. The powder gets dissolved in liquids. The liquid form is sold in several containers, including vials and water bottles. GHB can be hard to detect by sight or smell because it is clear and odorless. The taste is described as slightly salty. A bright blue liquid version, known as “blue nitro,” also exists.

How Is GHB Consumed?

GHB is most commonly consumed by ingesting it orally in its liquid form.

Less commonly, GHB is also found as a white powder or crystals, which users typically dissolve in a liquid, like water, juice, or alcohol, for consumption.

GHB’s Role In Sexual Assaults

Because GHB is colorless and odorless, sexual assailants often mix the drug with an unsuspecting person’s drink. This can lower the victim’s inhibition and lead to sexual assault.

There are products available that may help people avoid GHB exposure when at a club or bar. In general, groups that advise people on avoiding drug-facilitated sexual assault recommend the following steps:

• Don’t leave your drink unattended
• Order your own drinks and watch them being made
• Don’t drink from open containers or drinks being passed around
• Carry your own drinks
• Don’t drink your drink if it tastes odd or has an unexplained residue
• Don’t leave parties or bars with strangers
• Check on your friends regularly and have them check on you

Taking steps to ensure that you are aware of your surroundings and in control of what you consume can help protect you from unintended exposure to GHB or other drugs and dangers.

Street Names For GHB

GHB has many street names. Common names include:

While these are the commonly known street names for GHB, other names may exist.

Other substances related to GHB are also often abused and produce similar effects to GHB. These related substances are known as analogues. Analogues of GHB include:

• Gamma butyrolactone (GBL)
• 1,4 butanediol (1,4 BD or just BD)

The analogues of GHB are often used in commercial products, including industrial solvents, or marketed illegally as supplements.

What Are The Dangers Of GHB?

GHB can be dangerous as a tool for sexual assault because it is colorless and odorless. Recreational use of GHB is hazardous because of the effects the drug has on the central nervous system.

Unpredictable GHB abuse symptoms can make the drug particularly dangerous. It can cause:

• Amnesia
• Hallucinations
• Confusion
• Violent outbursts

GHB is toxic even in low doses. GHB sold illegally is often also manufactured illegally with varying degrees of purity. This means that someone using GHB may not know precisely what they are taking.

Recreational use of GHB may make the user more susceptible to suggestion, more talkative, and more social. It may make them less inhibited, which increases the risk of abuse or sexual assault.

The Dangers Of Mixing GHB And Alcohol

GHB is a sedating drug, as is alcohol. Like GHB, alcohol works on the central nervous system and can slow the heart rate, lower body temperature, decrease blood pressure, and slow down breathing. Both of these drugs also affect memory, coordination, mood, and the ability to make decisions.

Combining alcohol and GHB can increase the effects of both. This can lead to becoming intoxicated more quickly and can increase the risk of dangerous side effects. Mixing alcohol and GHB increases the risk of memory loss, sedation, inability to respond to hazardous situations, and even overdose, which can be life-threatening. There is no reversal drug available for an overdose of GHB, and the likelihood of dangerous complications from overdose increases when GHB is mixed with alcohol.

Mixing GHB and alcohol can also increase the risk of becoming dependent and addicted to either or both substances. Withdrawal symptoms from both GHB and alcohol may be more pronounced or severe when the two are mixed and may be more likely to result in life-threatening withdrawal.

Treatment For GHB Addiction

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, treatment options are available.

Whether you are struggling with GHB addiction or another substance, your healthcare provider is a good place to start when considering treatment options. You may also contact a treatment provider or visit our rehab directory to explore your treatment options. Remember, there is no bad time to seek help for addiction; get started today.