GHB
(gamma-hydroxybutyric acid)
What is GHB?
GHB is a naturally occurring metabolite in the human body that plays a key role in the in the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. GHB is most commonly seen as a clear odorless liquid, but can be a white powder. GHB is a highly addictive chemical causing severe dependence.
Where does GHB come from?
GHB was for many years available in health food and specialty stores. It was popular with the bodybuilding community, as it was believed to stimulate the production of growth hormones. Others used it as a sleep aid and for the relaxing euphoric state that it caused. A pattern of GHB abuse quickly developed and in 1990, the Food and Drug Administration ruled that it to be an unapproved drug and could no longer be sold over the counter. The use of GHB continued and in 2000, GHB was placed on the Schedule I list of Controlled Substances.
GHB is commonly manufactured at a local level with a substance known a GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) and other readily available chemicals. GBL is used in many industrial cleaners and is available from several Internet businesses outside the United States in kit form with other chemicals and directions for the manufacture of GHB. In 2000, GBL was designated as a List I chemical. The importation of GBL by an unlicensed individual is a Felony.
1,4-butanediol or BD is another chemical that can be used to manufacture GHB. When ingested orally, GBL and BD are metabolized by the body into GHB. BD is not a regulated chemical, but when used for human consumption, BD is treated as an analog of GHB and considered a Schedule I drug.
Who uses GHB?
Teenagers and young adults are the most common users of GHB. GHB is one of several drugs referred to as “Club Drugs.” Club drugs are a group of controlled substances that are popular in the dance club and rave scenes. GHB is also in a group of drugs known as “Predatory Drugs” commonly called “Date Rape Drugs." “Predatory Drugs” are used to commit acts of sexual assault and rape commonly upon female victims as it renders the victim incapable of resisting often causing memory problems. GHB is also hard to detect in the human body. It is no longer detectable in a blood test 5 hours after being ingested and is no longer detectable in a urine test after 12 hours.
What are the effects of GHB?
In mild doses GHB produces a mild alcoholic-like feeling, euphoria, reduction of inhibitions, greater enjoyment of music or verbalization, and can cause enhanced sensuality and sexuality. It also can cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and visual disturbances.
In higher doses GHB interferes with motor coordination, and speech. It also causes, seizures, severe respiratory depression, unconsciousness, coma, and can cause death. Overdoses require emergency treatment. When mixed with alcohol or other drugs the effects can be deadly. There have been 71 GHB-related deaths reported since November of 2000.
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view a subject that was view a video of a subject
operating a vehicle under in a state of overdosed
the influence of GHB. on GHB.
Traffic Stop Overdose