GHB
Things You Need To Know

What is GHB?

GHB is gamma-hydroxybutyrate.  It was originally developed as anesthetic, but was withdrawn due to unwanted side effects.  The only legal use of GHB has been as an investigational treatment for the treatment of narcolepsy.  In Europe, GHB has been used as an anesthetic and experimentally to treat alcohol withdrawal.  It is being marketed in England as an antigen medicine that allegedly increases the libido, decreases body fat, aids alcohol withdrawal, and induces sleep.

GHB is a chemical that has been promoted as a steroid alternative for bodybuilding and other uses for several years.  Recently, it has gained favor as a recreational drug because of its intoxicating effects.  In the past GHB has undergone clinical testing for several indications, it has never been approved for sale as a medical product in this country. 

Reports of use and abuse of GHB occurred about ten years ago, prompting the FDA to began an intensive investigation of distribution after numerous cases of GHB-related illness were reported.  Recently, however, there appears to be a resurgence in the abuse of GHB; virtually all of the products now encountered have been produced in clandestine laboratories.  This increase in use has been accompanied by an increase in reports of GHB-related injuries, including deaths.  

What does GHB look like and what are the effects?

GHB is an odorless, colorless, nearly tasteless, but slightly salty-tasting drug available in liquid, powder or capsule form.  Liquid GHB is being used in nightclubs for effects similar to those of Rohypnol. On the club scene it is also known as “liquid ecstasy”, “grievous bodily harm”, “GBH”,  “somatomax”, “Georgia Home Boy” or “scoop”.

Coma and seizures can occur following abuse of GHB and, when combined with methamphetamine, there appears to be an increased risk of seizure.  Combining use with other drugs such as alcohol can result in nausea and difficulty breathing.  GHB may also produce withdrawal effects, including insomnia, anxiety, vertigo, seizures, vomiting and sweating.  After excessive use, some users have experienced loss of consciousness, irregular and depressed respiration, tremors, or coma.    

 GHB is currently circulating within the dance music scene (at raves and night clubs) as an alternative to Ecstasy or Amphetamine Sulfate (speed). 

 In Atlanta, GHB is commonly used as synthetic steroid at fitness centers and gyms.  There are reports that GHB is available in Tennessee and is used primarily by “rave club” party goers to enhance the effects of alcohol. As with Rohypnol and Clonazepam, GHB has been associated with sexual assault in cities throughout the country. To counter-act this in 1996, Congress passed the “Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996”.   This legislation increased federal penalties for use of any controlled substance to aid in sexual assault. 

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