Synthetic drug. In its basic form it is a clear salty liquid but can be artificially coloured blue. Occasionally comes in powder, tablet or capsule form.

Desired Effects:

Include euphoria, decreased inhibition, relaxation. Because it promotes growth hormone secretion, some bodybuilders use it to increase muscle mass. The effects can last from 1.5 to 3 hours, or even longer if large doses have been consumed or if it is mixed with alcohol.

Side Effects:

Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, disorientation, agitation, visual disturbances, short-term memory loss.

• Overdose, coma and death are real risks with GHB and GBL.
• GHB, when sold as a solution varies in concentration, so it is very difficult to judge how strong it is, and you can't rely on what you may have been told. So you can't be sure how much will give the desired effect and the amount which leads to overdose and coma.
• Always start with a very small amount; people have ended up coming round in hospital after swigging from the bottle directly.
• Use small amounts and do not mix with other drugs especially alcohol; GHB & GBL are both depressants so a very little alcohol combined with them can have powerful negative effects.
• GHB and GBL can have a significant effect on our senses, coordination and thinking which means that you can also be vulnerable to accidents or assaults.
• Stay with friends to avoid being in a vulnerable position on your own.
• Do not take drinks from strangers, or leave glasses unattended because someone might spike your drink; GHB and GBL have been linked to drug assisted sexual assault.
• If someone is suffering bad effects like vomiting, convulsions, unconsciousness - put them in the recovery position and call for medical assistance immediately.

Long term risks:

Possibility of physical and psychological dependence, and withdrawal after continual use.

Short term risks:

Overdose, convulsions, coma or respiratory collapse. Despite these rapid recovery is usual and there have been no recorded deaths solely from GHB. Using in combination with other drugs, particularly alcohol increases the risks and can prove fatal. GHB has been implicated in a number of drug assisted rapes when mixed into alcohol.

Sedative anaesthetic, central nervous system depressant.

Class C under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Orally, usually in small doses such as a teaspoon (5ml) at a time.

GHB is usually sold in small plastic bottles, containing around 40ml.

As a pre-surgery sedative, treatment for cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy (sleep disorder).

GHB is mostly manufactured and distributed illicitly via mail order, unless manufactured pharmaceutically for the medical industry.

Most areas of the UK have ‘street agencies’ or projects (sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams) which offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, needle exchange, and sometimes support groups and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. Some services have extended working hours and may offer weekend support. If use of this substance becomes a problem you can seek help, advice and counselling from a service in your area. GPs can make referrals to specialist drug services. For a description of what the different drug services do, choose helping services from here or the main menu.

Parents & other relatives

Drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents of people using these drugs. Many street agencies can provide relative support groups or counselling for family members, partners etc.