GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate)
Common Street Names
- Grievous Bodily Harm
- Liquid Ecstasy
- G
- Soap
- Liquid X
- Easy Lay
- Scoop
- Georgia Home Boy
- Jib Vita-G
- Gamma-oh
- Goop
Gamma Hydroxybutyrate, or GHB is a central nervous system depressant. It is often found in a liquid form that is colorless and odorless with a slightly salty taste that is easily masked in a drink. Occasionally GHB is manufactured in a powder form. Popularity of GHB was initially contained to people serious about body building for its anabolic effects in reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass. However it also made its way into the night club/rave scene for its euphoric and sedative effects which may also be what made it attractive as a date rape drug. Effects of GHB tend to last about 1 to 2 hours and may cause a withdrawal syndrome as the effects wear off.
GHB was easily available in health food stores until 1992!
One of the scary things about this drug is how easy it is to synthesize and manufacture. Ingredients are readily available to anyone and basically consist of drain cleaner mixed with a degreasing solvent or floor stripper. Not only are these substances toxic and not meant for consumption but since they are often added to alcoholic beverages their effects can easily be dangerous if not deadly.
In lower doses, GHB can cause the following effects:
- Lowered Inhibitions
- Nausea/vomiting
- Euphoria
- Visual Disturbances
- Confusion
- Slowed Heart Rate
- Drowsiness
- Memory Disturbances
- Dizziness
In higher doses, GHB can cause the following effects:
- Unconsciousness
- Severe Respiratory Depression
- Seizures
- Coma
- Slurred Speech
- Death
* In combination with alcohol these effects may be greatly intensified!
GHB has been involved in:
- Poisonings
- Date Rapes
- Overdoses
- Death
Withdrawal Effects:
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Sweating
Although GHB has been known to be used by body builders and is occasionally used by individuals for recreational purposes, one of the drug’s common uses is as a means to facilitate sexual assault. As with the other date rape drugs such as Ketamine and Rohypnol, GHB can be slipped into an unsuspecting victim’s drink unnoticed. Once under the effects of the drug, victims are unable to resist the sexual assault and often have no memory of the events that took place.
GHB is usually sold by the capful and has an average cost of about $5—$25 per dose.
Passing out from GHB is known as “Carpeting Out”
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