TotallyOz Posted October 26, 2009 Posted October 26, 2009 What exactly is GHB and what does it do to the body? What are the side effects? Is this a party drug? Quote
Members TampaYankee Posted October 26, 2009 Members Posted October 26, 2009 What exactly is GHB and what does it do to the body? What are the side effects? Is this a party drug? GHB first came on the scene as a black market bodybuilding supplement used in conjunction with steroids. It moved into the P&P scene as it has similar effects to rohypnol. For more... http://www.k-state.edu/media/webzine/Didyouhearyes/GHBfacts.html Gamma hydroxybutyrate -- GHB Gamma hydroxybutyrate -- GHB -- is a powerful, rapidly acting central nervous system depressant. It was first synthesized in the 1920s and was under development as an anesthetic agent in the 1960s. GHB is produced naturally by the body in small amounts but its physiological function is unclear. GHB was sold in health food stores as a performance-enhancing additive in bodybuilding formulas until the Food and Drug Administration banned it in 1990. It is currently marketed in some European countries as an adjunct to anesthesia. GHB is abused for its ability to produce euphoric and hallucinogenic states and for its alleged function as a growth hormone that releases agents to stimulate muscle growth. GHB became a Schedule I Controlled Substance in March 2000. In the United States, GHB is produced in clandestine laboratories with no guarantee of quality or purity, making its effects less predictable and more difficult to diagnose. GHB can be manufactured with inexpensive ingredients and using recipes on the Internet. Gamma butyrolactone -- GBL -- and 1,4-butanediol are analogs of GHB that can be substituted for it. Once ingested, these analogs convert to GHB and produce identical effects. GBL, an industrial solvent, is used as an immediate precursor in the clandestine production of GHB. The FDA has issued warnings for both GBL and 1,4-butanediol, stating that the drugs have a potential for abuse and are a public health danger. Effects GHB is usually taken orally. It is sold as a light-colored powder that easily dissolves in liquids or as a pure liquid packaged in vials or small bottles. In liquid form, it is clear, odorless, tasteless, and almost undetectable when mixed in a drink. GHB is typically consumed by the capful or teaspoonful at a cost of $5 to $10 per dose. The average dose is 1 to 5 grams and takes effect in 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the dosage and purity of the drug. Its effects last from three to six hours. Consumption of less than 1 gram of GHB acts as a relaxant, causing a loss of muscle tone and reduced inhibitions. Consumption of 1 to 2 grams causes a strong feeling of relaxation and slows the heart rate and respiration. At this dosage level, GHB also interferes with blood circulation, motor coordination, and balance. In stronger doses, 2 to 4 grams, pronounced interference with motor and speech control occurs. A coma-like sleep may be induced, requiring intubation to wake the user. When mixed with alcohol, the depressant effects of GHB are enhanced. This can lead to respiratory depression, unconsciousness, coma, and overdose. Side effects associated with GHB may include nausea, vomiting, delusions, depression, vertigo, hallucinations, seizures, respiratory distress, loss of consciousness, slowed heart rate, lowered blood pressure, amnesia and coma. GHB can become addictive with sustained use. According to the Drug Abuse Warning Network, GHB emergency department mentions have increased from 56 in 1994 to 3,340 in 2001. GHB-related deaths have occurred in several Community Epidemiology Work Group sites. In 1999, there were three reported deaths involving GHB in Texas and two in Minnesota. Missouri has reported five GHB-related deaths and two near deaths in which GHB was used to facilitate rapes. In Florida, during 2000, GHB was detected in 23 deaths and identified as the cause of death in 6 cases. Since 1990, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has documented more than 15,600 overdoses and law enforcement encounters and 72 deaths relating to GHB. Also, more here... http://www.projectghb.org/what_is_ghb.htm Quote
Members marcanthony Posted October 26, 2009 Members Posted October 26, 2009 What exactly is GHB and what does it do to the body? What are the side effects? Is this a party drug? GHB is a party drug, popular in raves like Ecstasy or Ketamine (K). It's actually a depressant and was initially famous for its use as a date rape drug because it's clear and tasteless and very easy to put in drinks to anesthetize the victim. In low doses, though, it's an intoxicant and it causes euporia and acts like an aphrodisiac, so that's why it's popular as a party drug. Side effects include death, as it is a depressant and can cause respiratory arrest. Hope that helps. Quote
Members TampaYankee Posted October 26, 2009 Members Posted October 26, 2009 I believe I have some vague recall that mixing GHB with alcohol is strongly contraindicated because it can possibly cause that unfortunate side effect that marcanthony mentioned. That is why it is such a bad party drug. Quote
Guest ryan2552 Posted October 26, 2009 Posted October 26, 2009 Side effects include death, as it is a depressant and can cause respiratory arrest. Hope that helps. Pretty extreme side effect. For me risk does not equal reward. I wish more people would think about this consequence before using it. Quote
