GHB Abuse and Treatment
1-800-559-9503 | April 14th
GHB stands for Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and is a central nervous system depressant drug that is abused for the euphoria experienced as well as the sedative effects. GHB is a very popular drug among teens and young adults and began to take on its popularity in the 90's during raves and at dance clubs. GHB is considered a party drug or club drug today and is used at bars, concerts, parties, nightclubs, and during raves. Teens and young adults use GHB usually between the ages of 18 to 25 years old.
GHB comes in powder form and is generally mixed in liquid and then drank when the drug is abused. Sometimes people mix GHB in alcohol attempting to increase the effects, this leads to respiratory depression and coma. This depressant drug is very dangerous when used and the effects can be very serious. Addiction and overdose are serious consequences associated with GHB use and there isn't an antidote at this time available for GHB overdose which makes the misuse of this drug even more dangerous.
GHB Analogs (Equivalent or Equal To)
GHB analogs are drugs that have similar chemical structure including the same effects when abused. Sometimes the GHB analogs are used instead of GHB. The analogs include GBL, BD, GHV, and GVL.
GHB and Sexual Assaults
Because of the sedating effects GHB causes this drug has been used in sexual assaults, the intended victim is unable to resist when sexually assaulted and because their memory is affected they're usually unaware of what took place. GHB is an odorless and colorless white powdery substance and when slipped into someone's beverage, they would be unaware it was there. This can take place in bars, nightclubs, raves and other social events so people need to be especially careful and cautious when socializing.
GHB Physical Effects and Risks Include:
- Drowsiness
- Unconsciousness
- Loss of sexual inhibitions
- Slowed breathing
- Respiratory arrest
- Memory loss
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Decreased heart rate
- Dangerously severe respiratory depression
- Lowered body temperature
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Coma
- Death
Withdrawal Symptoms Associated with GHB Abuse Includes:
- Sleeplessness
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Tremors
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Psychotic occasional thoughts
Slang Street Names for GHB
- Liquid ecstasy
- Scoop
- Easy lay
- Georgia home boy
- Grievous bodily harm
- Liquid X
- Goop
- Cherry meth
- Fantasy
- G-riffic
- Jib
- Liquid E
- Organic Quaalude
- Salty water
- Sleep
- Sleep-50-0
- Soap
- Vita-G
GHB Overdose Symptoms
As mentioned above there isn't an antidote available at this time for GHB overdose, anyone who overdoses on GHB requires immediate ER medical attention and will require intensive care for respiratory depression and coma.
