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GHB


GHB is a colorless and odorless liquid which could be easily mistaken for water. It occurs naturally and is found in small quantities, in the central nervous systems of nearly all animals, including human beings. However, it is still not clear as to how the body uses GHB. Scientists have an idea that a number of excitatory receptors in the brain are activated by GHB. It possesses neuro-protective properties seen from the fact that it guards cells from hypoxia. GHB is also produced due to fermentation in small citrus fruits and wine. But the quantity produced is insignificant hence it does not have any recognizable effects.

GHB works as a depressant/anesthetic on the central nervous system. Though it is widely recognized as a date rape drug with street names like EZ Lay, Easy Lay, Get-Her-to-Bed, X-Rater, Scoop Her among others. GHB has also been used for other purposes in the field of medicine. It has been used in treating insomnia, narcolepsy, clinical depression and alcoholism. Since GHB increases the levels of human growth hormone. It has also been known to be used by body-builders and athletes to improve their performance.

GHB was synthesized for the first time by Alexander Saytzeff in 1874. However it was not until early 1960s that any major research was carried out on the effects of GHB on human beings. Dr. Henri Laborit used it to study GABA neurotransmitters in the brain. As more research was done, GHB became popular because of its usefulness, combined with minimum side effects. It became very popular in a number of European countries specially Italy and France. GHB was generally used by people suffering from insomnia, as well as an anesthetic during childbirth. However it had a high potential for abuse, and over a period of time, many new drugs were developed which could be used more effectively, for treating conditions that were being treated by GHB. These drugs were safer and did not have potential for abuse. Due to all this, the popularity of GHB in the field of medicine declined. At present GHB is mainly used to treat patients of narcolepsy who suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness. To a lesser extent it is also used in treating alcoholism. In the United States GHB is sold under the brand name Xyrem.

Some side effects of GHB as observed in clinical trials

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Nasopharyngitis
  • Urinary Incontinence
  • Tremor
  • Dyspnea
  • Vertigo

GHB is mostly sold illegally as a recreational drug; it becomes more dangerous when it is sold as a solution. This is because it is not prepared through a standardized process and there is no way to ascertain the concentration GHB in water. And when taken in high concentrations GHB can have fatal consequences.

Though GHB is illegal in many countries, it can be made at home with easily available ingredients. GHB produces a feeling of euphoria and makes its users more sociable and sexually aroused; these are the reasons which have resulted in GHB being used as a date rape drug. Higher doses of GHB can cause blurred visions, depressed breathing, unconsciousness and even death. The effects are intensified when it is consumed in combination with alcohol, or any other CNS depressant.

The fact that GHB is odorless and colorless makes it very easy to be used as a date rape drug. GHB can be added to drinks very easily, without the victim gaining the slightest idea. GHB has been reportedly used in numerous cases of sexual assault.

GHB has also been used as a popular club drug. It is used by party-goers to heighten their enjoyment while dancing. GHB is called liquid ecstasy on the lines of the popular party drug, ‘Ecstasy’. Using GHB as a party drug can be very dangerous because in a party atmosphere, users do not exercise much self control. They may already have taken other drugs or alcohol, combining all that with GHB can have lethal consequences. A study carried over a ten year period looked into deaths caused by GHB. It was found that most of the deaths happened because of respiratory depression that was caused by the interaction of GHB with alcohol and/or other drugs. People also died when they choked on their own vomit, which in the first place was induced by the cocktail of GHB and other intoxicating substances. Then there were a number of deaths due to motor accidents where the post mortems revealed high levels of GHB.

GHB is a highly addictive drug; one can get physically as well as psychologically hooked to it when one takes it frequently over many days or a few weeks. The withdrawal effects can include the following symptoms:-.

  • Insomnia
  • Mental dullness
  • Anxiety
  • Edginess
  • Increased sensitivity to sound, touch and light
  • Restlessness
  • Tremors
  • Sweating
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Chest pain and tightness
  • Muscle and bone aches
  • Tachycardia
  • Dysphoria

These symptoms can persist from 2-21 days, gradually decreasing in intensity over the period. The withdrawal symptoms make it very tough to stop using GHB. Most people need professional help. Those who are addicted to GHB should join a drug rehabilitation center which has programs designed for curing addictions to GHB.