GHB
Drug: GHB Gammahydroxybutyrate (Hydroxybutyric
acid)
Street names: GBH, Liquid E, Liquid X
Similar drugs: It is sold as liquid ecstasy,
although it is in no way related to ecstasy.
Drug type: GHB is a depressant drug, which slows
down body actions. GHB is a synthetic drug used as an
anaesthetic.
Legal status: GHB is a class C drug under the
Misuse of Drugs Act. The maximum penalty for possession is 2
years in prison. The maximum penalty for possession with
intent to supply is 14 years in prison. Unauthorised manufacture or
distribution is also an offence.
What is it? GHB is a colourless liquid with a
slightly salty taste and is usually sold in bottles for up to £15,
but sometimes comes as tablets.
How it can make you feel? Small doses will feel
like having a few drinks of alcohol. Inhibitions are lowered
and libido increased. At higher doses it may cause
sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, muscle stiffness and confusion.
GHB has been used by body builders because it is supposed to
promote the kind of sleep that is best for protein (and therefore
muscle) build up. Around 1994 it began to appear on the UK
club scene.
The risks: The strength of GHB can vary greatly
from bottle to bottle so it may be very difficult to know how much
is being taken. Some people take it while on other drugs with
unpredictable and possibly dangerous results, especially if the
other drugs are depressants like alcohol. Really high doses can
lead to convulsions, coma and respiratory collapse.
Not a lot is known about the effects of long-term use of
GHB. However it is possible that tolerance, physical
dependence and psychological dependence could result.
GHB image courtesy of Talk to Frank, Crown Copyright.
Poppers
PMMA