Things to know about GHB/GBL

Dose

Larger doses of G can cause slurred speech, muscle spasms, dizziness or vomiting.

Overdose often happens when people take a second dose before the first takes effect, or the G is stronger than what they're used to, or they've been drinking alcohol.

Too big a dose can knock you out, cause a fit, coma or death. A growing number of clubbers are dying during an overdose, usually due to mixing with alcohol, choking on vomit or breathing problems.

GBL tends to work at lower doses than GHB and the margin between the desired effect and overdose is even narrower (a millilitre or so). Before passing out there may be no warning symptoms at all.

It's hard to judge dosage as strength varies from batch to batch, with the difference between the desired effect and overdose small (a few millimetres) and hard to predict.

Many people measure doses by the capful (some use eye drops, or small syringes). Some take half a capful and wait 30 to 60 minutes. If nothing happens they take another half a capful. Regular users tend to take one capful every one to two hours.

The effects of one dose last around an hour but up to four hours for some people.

The down side

As well as the risk of collapsing, industrial solvents in badly-made G can burn the mouth and throat or cause swelling or breathing problems.

Problem use

Users can become dependent on the drug, needing higher doses for the same effect, suffering withdrawal symptoms or psychotic hallucinations when coming off it.

At risk

Driving after drinking G risks passing out at the wheel.

As collapsing is not uncommon, never take G alone. If you or someone feels ill, don't stay on your own hoping it'll go away. Tell someone you feel you can trust that you or they've taken G (and anything else). Try to avoid falling asleep.

If someone passes out, lay them on their side - not their back - to stop them choking on their own vomit. Check how they're breathing and get medical help. Don't hope they'll sleep it off: if someone's unconscious there's always a risk of death.

G has been used as a ‘date rape’ drug, though this seems rare. Be aware of the risk from leaving drinks unattended or accepting drinks from strangers. Drinking from bottles or cans makes it harder for drinks to be messed with.

G should be avoided if you have high or low blood pressure, epilepsy, convulsions, heart or breathing problems.

Mixing

With alcohol

Taking GHB/GBL with alcohol (or after drinking booze earlier in the evening) depresses the central nervous system. Taken together they are a frequent cause of collapse and sometimes death.

With tranquilisers and antihistamines

Mixing with tranquilisers (such as diazepam and Valium) and antihistamines (used for allergies such as hay fever) also carries this risk.

Mixing with ketamine

Mixing G and K can dangerously slow down your breathing and make you unconscious, with a risk of dying.

With ecstasy

Many people find G boosts the effect of ecstasy. Unpredictable, potentially life-threatening reactions can be caused by G interacting with drugs such as E and K.

With HIV medications

Hazardous interactions are possible between G and HIV medication including protease inhibitors. Some HIV drugs can raise the amount of G in the body to dangerously high levels.

The law

GHB is a Class C drug that is illegal to possess or supply to others.

Penalties

The penalty for possession of GHB is up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

The penalty for intending to supply GHB, including giving to friends, is up to 14 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

GBL

GBL is currently not illegal in the UK.

More information and support

For help and advice concerning drugs see the page of Useful info and support in the Power room on this website.