GHB (fantasy): what are the effects?
The effects of GHB appear to vary greatly according to the amount used — a small increase in amount can result in a dramatic increase in effect. One of the most dangerous aspects of using GHB is the small difference between an amount that produces the desired effect and the amount that results in overdose. A further risk is that there is often no way to be sure that the drug is manufactured correctly. Improperly made GHB may result in an extremely toxic mixture of GHB and the chemical sodium hydroxide.
Immediate effects
Generally, the effects of GHB are experienced within 15 minutes of use, and last for approximately 3 hours. Effects of a low to moderate dose may include:
- feelings of euphoria;
- increased libido;
- lowered inhibitions;
- memory lapses;
- drowsiness;
- sleep;
- dizziness and headache;
- tremor;
- decreased body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate;
- nausea;
- diarrhoea; and
- urinary incontinence.
Overdose
Using GHB carries a high risk of overdose, due to the small difference between the amount required to produce a ‘high’ and that which causes overdose. Not knowing the strength of GHB increases the risk of overdose.
High doses of GHB can result in:
- dizziness;
- vomiting;
- tremors;
- tunnel vision;
- loss of coordination (ataxia);
- confusion, irritation and agitation;
- hallucinations;
- blackouts and memory lapses;
- seizures;
- coma;
- respiratory arrest (stop breathing) and death.
Signs of overdose
-
Person appears to be asleep but cannot be woken.
-
Person is incoherent, sweating profusely, vomiting and has irregular or shallow breathing.
-
Person is not able to stand and/or has involuntary muscle contractions.
Long-term effects
Little research is known about the long-term effects of GHB but it is possible to become physically and psychologically dependent on it.
Tolerance and dependence
There is evidence that GHB is highly addictive. People who use GHB regularly can develop a tolerance and dependence very quickly. Dependence on GHB can be psychological, physical or both.
People who are psychologically dependent on GHB find that using the drug becomes far more important than other activities in their life. They crave the drug and will find it very difficult to stop using it.
Physical dependence occurs when a person's body adapts to GHB and gets used to functioning with the GHB present. People who are physically dependent on GHB usually develop tolerance to the drug, making it necessary to take more and more GHB to get the same effect.
Withdrawal
If a physically dependent person stops taking GHB, they may experience withdrawal symptoms because their body has to readjust to functioning without GHB.
Withdrawal symptoms usually start about 12 hours after the last dose and can continue for about 15 days.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced include:
- confusion, agitation, anxiety, panic, feelings of doom;
- paranoia;
- insomnia;
- tremor;
- muscle cramps;
- perspiration;
- delirium;
- hallucinations; and
- tachycardia (rapid heartbeat).
Sudden withdrawal from high doses may also result in bowel and bladder incontinence and blackouts, and may require medical assistance.
Treatment options
In Australia, there are a number of drug treatment options. Some aim solely for a person to achieve a drug-free lifestyle, while others recognise abstinence as one option in an overall aim of reducing harm and risks related to a person's drug use. Treatment is more effective if tailored to suit a person's circumstances, and usually involves a combination of methods. Some of the different options include counselling, group therapy, medication (pharmacotherapy) and supervised/home withdrawal.
For more information, please click on the Australian Drug Foundation's DrugInfo Clearinghouse web site link below.
Last Reviewed: 20 September 2006
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