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.
What it is called
Appearance
Characteristics
Blue nitro
Easy lay
Everclear
Firewater
G
Gamma G
Georgia homeboy
G.H. revitalizer
Gib
Goops
Great hormones at bedtime
Grievous bodily harm
G-riffick
Growth hormone booster
Invigorate
Liquid ecstasy
Liquid E
Liquid X
Longevity
Poor man’s heroin
Scoop
Soap
Somatomax
Water
Wolfies
Zonked
Powder
Pills
Colourless and odourless liquid
GHB sometimes has a slightly salty and soapy taste, but this disappears when it is mixed with an alcoholic beverage, making it very difficult to detect.
Effects of GHB
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.
Risks associated with GHB and possible consequences
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 .