What is GHB?

GHB (or gamma hydroxybutyrate), also known as a “date-rape” drug, is a depressant affecting the central nervous system. Other names include Liquid ecstasy, Soap, Easy lay, Vita-G and Georgia home boy.

GHB is usually found in liquid form, although it is available as a powder or as a pill. It is often colourless, tasteless and odourless.

What Are the Effects?

GHB is generally taken for both its euphoric (high) and sedative effects. GHB can have a number of effects on the human body. When taking an increasing amount of GHB, the user can experience some of the following effects:

• less stress
• muscle relaxation
• disinhibition
• happiness
• drowsiness
• sleepiness
• loss of coordination
• hypnotic state
• general loss of feeling
• coma
• death

Higher doses can lead to:

• convulsions
• hallucinations
• decreased heart rate
• lowered blood pressure
• difficulties breathing
• unconsciousness

Individuals who take high amounts of GHB regularly experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping to use the drug.

Find out more on the effects of GHB in the following articles:

• Do You Know... GHB
  from the Centre on Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

• Drugs: Know the Facts, Cut Your Risks – GHB
  from the Comité québécois de lutte aux dépendances

• Club Drugs
  from the United States’ National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

How Long Do the Effects Last?

Effects are generally felt within 10 to 20 minutes.

Depending on the amount, effects can last up to 4 hours.

Is It Dangerous?

Yes it is. GHB can unknowingly be slipped into other individuals’ drinks since its liquid form has no colour, smell or taste. Its sedative effects prevent victims from resisting sexual assault. For this reason, it is often called a "date rape" drug. GHB can also cause amnesia, so when people recover from the drug's effects, they may not remember what happened. Tolerance and physical dependence are caused by long-term and excessive use of GHB.

When at parties, people have to watch their drinks!

Where Does It Come From?

GHB was originally developed as a medication for its calming effects. It has been used therapeutically as a sedative for surgery, and has also been used to treat alcohol withdrawal and narcolepsy. However, GHB is now made in illicit labs. The chemicals and processes used vary from lab to lab, as does the strength and purity of the final product.

For additional information, read Zoot2's Just the Facts on GHB from the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission.

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