GHB

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a depressant. It acts on the central nervous system, numbing the brain and slowing the body. GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) is another substance illicitly presented as GHB. Its effects are similar to GHB, but it is more toxic.

Using GHB may cause:

• Reduced inhibitions
• Calm and relaxed feeling
• Physical and psychological comfort
• Relaxed muscles
• Euphoria
• Unusual tranquillity
• Slow movements
• Pasty mouth
• Drowsiness
• Nonchalance
• Disorientation (distorted sense of space and time)
• Confusion

The effects of GHB vary depending on the amount consumed.

Using GHB may cause:

• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Impaired vision
• Sexual dysfunction
• Hostility
• Altered attention, mood, memory and judgment
• Depression
• Addiction, which means that larger quantities of the drug must be used in order to feel the effects

If too large a quantity of GHB is used, it also causes:

• Deep sleep
• Memory loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Coordination problems
• Excitement
• Delirium
• Stupor (a mix of fear and disbelief)
• Breathing difficulties
• Death 

Addiction 

Using GHB can lead to physical dependency, which is a physiological need created by the body’s addiction to the effects of the drug. If you try to go without it, you may experience varying degrees of physical reaction, such as:

• Anxiety, panic, irritability
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Fever, nausea, vomiting
• Perceptual disorders
• Shaking
• Seizures (stiff body with jerky and involuntary muscle spasms)

To learn more, read the Addiction section of Problems Associated with Alcohol Consumption and Drug Use.

Consequences associated with safety and law

Possession of drugs such as GHB is illegal. Simply possessing a small quantity can lead to fines and a criminal record. These consequences also apply to people younger than 18. To learn more, consult the Éducaloi website .

• Drugs: Help and Referral : 1‑800‑265‑2626
• Répertoire des ressources en dépendances  (directory of addiction resources – in French only)