GHB: LIQUID ECSTASY?

Easy Lay, Fantasy, G, GHB, GBH, GBL, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X… Sounds pretty fabulous, doesn’t it? Who wouldn’t want euphoria in a bottle?

Many people use it because they’re told it’s safe, easy to take, cheap, legal, and non-addictive, and the effects sound too good to be true! We’re talking euphoria, happiness, heightened confidence, loss of inhibitions and sexual arousal…

GHB: Gamma Hydroxybutyrate. It’s made from GBL (Gamma Butyrolactone) and Sodium Hydroxide; basically it’s degreasing solvent (floor stripper) mixed with drain cleaner and, in addition to its exciting selling-points, it can also cause drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting, muscle spasms, the loss of body functions, loss of consciousness, and death when the dosage isn’t accurate. Just to add to the ‘fun’, it’s exceptionally tricky to know how much is enough, and how much is too much. Doesn’t sound that fabulous anymore, does it?

You may be wondering who would knowingly drink floor stripper mixed with drain cleaner. The sad answer, I suspect, is that most people who’ve had a run-in with GHB have done so unknowingly – GHB is known as one of the ‘date-rape’ drugs. There are people, however, who use GHB regularly, whether they’re ‘self-medicating’ for depression or stress, using it when partying, taking it because of its perceived (but non-existent) anabolic properties when working out or gymming, or simply to help them cope with the daily pressures of life.

It is true that the human body produces minute amounts of GHB as part of the natural metabolic process – but that’s just it – the body produces GHB in MINUTE amounts. By artificially increasing the levels of GHB in the body, the dopamine levels are adjusted, and the high feelings help the user block out negative thoughts and emotions (which, incidentally, will be right where the user left them before getting high).

As with practically every illegal drug out there, the dangers of GHB far outweigh any surface-level positive effects, and it is, quite literally, a matter of life and death to acknowledge that.

In brief, the dangers of GHB include:

• G is easily masked in sugary drinks, possibly leading to date-rape
  
• Whether taking GHB or GBL, it is very easy to overdose. It only takes one overdose to kill!
  
• G alters the dopamine levels of the brain, in some it increases them, in others it decreases these levels
  
• GHB, in any form, remains in the blood for 2-8 hours, and urine for 8-12 hours
  
• G depresses the central nervous system
  
• G and alcohol do not mix; it can be fatal
  
• G can cause respiratory arrest
  
• Hospitals do not have an anti-G drug, to combat G’s effects
  
• After one shot, G can make you hostile and agitated
  
• G can cause uncontrollable body movements, and shakes
  
• G intake can result in acidosis (too much acid in the blood)
  
• Repeatedly use with soft drinks can cause extreme problems with tooth decay

As the dose increases, the effects of GHB can include difficulty in thinking, hallucinations, slurred speech, headaches and amnesia. The sedative effects may result in sleep and eventual coma or death.

If you are a GHB user, or know someone who uses it, please have a look at the following questions:

• Do you take G throughout the day?
• Do you have tingling sensations at the tips of your fingers or toes when you do not take G?
• Do you take G to release yourself from sad or stressful feelings?
• Do your problems appear worse when you don’t take G?
• Do you have problems sleeping without a large G shot?
• Do you take a shot first thing in the morning?
• Can you not have a night out or party without G?
• Do you buy GBL in bulk to ensure you have enough supply, so not to run out?
• Do you take G as a body building supplement?
• Have you kept your G taking from a friend or loved one?
• Do you think that taking G is harmless, and have therefore been taking it for a long time?
• Without G, do you find it hard to leave the house, and meet people?
• Are you overly worried and extra anxious?
• Has your work suffered? Finding it less difficult to concentrate at work?
• Have you become more sexually promiscuous? Were you not like this before?
• Have you taken risks sexually?
• Have your relationships with people you care about changed for the worse, even slightly?
• Do you regularly feel ‘horny’, and are finding yourself drawn to porn?
• Are you aware that important and difficult decisions in life have not been your priority?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, there may well be reason for concern. But please know that it is never too late for help. Visit www.knowghb.org, where you will be able to find out more about GHB, as well as get in touch with people who will listen to you and who can help you in confidence – whether the help is for yourself or for a friend.

In addition to the advice and help offered through www.knowghb.org, other things you can do are:

• Talk to loved ones – your friends and relatives, or a spiritual advisor. Someone who does NOT use GHB. (Come on – do you think a user is going to be objective?)

• Go to your doctor. All conversations with your GP are private and confidential. Take information on GHB with you (either this article, or print out some info from www.knowghb.org), and if you have any GHB, take that to your doctor as well, and ask if he can have it tested. Don’t be afraid – your doctor is there to help you, and talk is free! Follow any advice given by your GP.

• If you use GHB regularly, do not stop taking it immediately! Going ‘cold turkey’ can be a harrowing experience, and can be fatal! You should ALWAYS seek medical assistance with the withdrawal.

Please don’t try to do this alone. This is the time to confide in the people you trust and respect. No one will judge you or think less of you for admitting you have a problem – please remember that. If anything, asking for help shows strength of character.

If you use GHB, whether occasionally or regularly, please seek help. You are too precious, too wonderful to be destroyed by some cheap chemical. You are alive! Realise your potential, live your life, and live it well! Make memories worth having.

Visit the following websites for more information on GHB, for advice, and for help:

Know GHB: www.knowghb.org

Lifeline: www.lifelinejhb.org.za

Narcotics Anonymous: www.na.org.za

Nar-Anon Family Groups : www.naranon.org.za

Other links:

Horizon Alcohol & Drug Centre: www.horizonclinic.co.za

Houghton House Treatment Centres: www.houghtonhouse.co.za

Elim Treatment Clinic: www.elimclin.co.za

Life Path Mental Health & Addiction Hospitals: www.lifepathgroup.co.za