GHB

GHB is a naturally occurring component in the human cell. In the 1960s, it was used as an anesthetic but it was not successful in this capacity. GHB or Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate was originally used by body builders in the 1980s because of its fat burning and muscle building qualities. While GHB is found in small amounts in the body, this supplement is used in the manufacturing of cleaning and manufacturing chemicals. During the 1990s, the FDA declared this chemical unsafe for human consumption.

Ingredients were switched to GBL and DB enabling GHB to be sold in new combinations as sleep aids. In 1999, the FDA again asked manufacturers to stop producing these drugs as they were never approved for human consumption. In 2000, it was classified as a Schedule I drug. It began to grow in popularity as a “party drug”.

Since that time, it has become a predatory drug used to facilitate sexual assault. It is most commonly found in the form of a clear liquid or a white powder or pill that dissolves in liquid. Like Rohypnol, it is odorless and colorless, and easily slipped into an individual’s drink. It is a central nervous system depressant and has been used to treat narcolepsy and insomnia. Many pushers will claim that all one needs to do is to sleep off “an overdose”. This sadly is a myth. GHB is a dangerous drug that can cause death due to respiratory arrest and aspiration of vomit with circulatory collapse.

Symptoms and Signs of GHB Abuse

Drowsiness
Dizziness
Nausea
Loss of Coordination
Impaired Decision Making

As the dosage increases, so do the side effects.

Symptoms and Signs of Long Term GHB Abuse

Anxiety
Confusion
Hallucinations
Slurred Speech
Headaches
Amnesia

High doses can cause comma and death.
(source: http://www.drugfree.org/drug-guide/ghb)

Social Cost of GHB Use
Impaired judgment from GHB use can lead poor decision making, or the inability to stay conscious enough to make choices. Often young men and women are vulnerable to sexual predators, who will slip GHB into a drink which will lead to sexual assault, assault, unwanted pregnancy, or sexually transmitted disease. Regular users often take multiple doses in short period of time believing that the effects have worn off, leading to overdose and death.

Withdrawal Symptoms of GHB

Insomnia
Anxiety
Tremors
Sweating
Seizures

Without controls of what goes into the manufacturing of a substance such as GHB and the propensity for home labs to use industrial strength chemicals, GHB can lead to severe burns in the mouth, throat and stomach. Medically supervised detox is recommended for those addicted to GHB to help ease withdrawal symptoms and to handle the psychological aftermath. To successfully treat drug addiction, addiction treatment should immediately follow detox.

Slang Terms for GHB
Gamma G, G, , Georgia Home Boy, GHB, G.H. Revitalizer, Gib, Goop, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid E, Liquid X, Scoop, Somatomax