GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutrate)

Friday, August 28, 2009

  1. What it is

    GHB is a clear odourless liquid (usually mixed with alcohol) or a white powder usually made into tablets or capsules. GHB as a white powder contains GHB's sodium salt called sodium oxybate. The most commonly abused form is the liquid. It is usually sold as liquid by the dose (one capful from a bottle or as drops).

  2. Health effects

    Short-term effects
    The effects of GHB vary each time a person uses it and it affects each person differently. Usually within 15 minutes of taking GHB the user experiences an initial feeling of euphoria and relaxation. The immediate effects may last up to 3 hours depending on dosage. However after the initial feeling some negative effects can occur which include:

  3. Dependence, addiction and overdose risk

    GHB can become both physically and psychologically addictive. Regular users report that they often feel like they need a little GHB to feel normal.

  4. Law and penalities

    Due to the availability of GHB in New Zealand, and as a temporary measure in 2000, sodium oxybate (GHB's sodium salt) was scheduled under the Medicines Act 1981.

  5. Drug trends

    In 2000 the availability of GHB was pronounced in New Zealand. A number of people were hospitalised with respiratory depression, high levels of sedation and coma after using GHB and precursor substances. On 1 April 2000 the media reported the first fatality from a GHB related substance in New Zealand, and this was followed by numerous admissions to hospital of patients presenting with severe respiratory depression and coma after taking these substances.

  6. Reducing the harm

    The Drug Foundation’s message is clear: no drug use is the safest drug use. But we realise there will be occasions when people ignore warnings and use drugs. In order to limit the harm from their drug use, we provide information about effective methods of drug harm minimisation. Such information directly benefits the person using drugs, and also protects the wider community.

  7. How to get help

    There are a number of treatment organisations that can help. If you feel that you or anyone you know needs help, then you can call these services in strict confidence.

  8. GHB and sexual assult

    GHB (and its related compounds) is well known as the date rape drug because large doses can be easily mixed with liquids including water. GHB by itself has a soapy or salty taste but when mixed with a drink it can be very difficult for a victim to detect by sight or smell.

  9. Links

    A report from SHORE into Hallucinogens and other illicit drug trends in New Zealand, published 2005, which contains some information about LSD in New Zealand.

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