GHB (fantasy): what is it?
Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a depressant drug. Depressants slow down the activity of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. Alcohol, heroin and benzodiazepines are drugs that also have depressant effects.
GHB occurs naturally in the brain. It was first manufactured and studied in the 1960s, and has been used in several countries as a general anaesthetic. GHB was withdrawn from use in most countries — including Australia — because of unwanted side effects.
Street names
Fantasy, grievous bodily harm (GBH), liquid ecstasy, liquid E, liquid X, salty water, Georgia Home Boy, soap, scoop, organic Quaalude, cherry meth, blue nitro.
What does it look like?
GHB commonly comes as a colourless, odourless, bitter or salty-tasting liquid, usually sold in small bottles or vials, such as soy sauce containers. It also comes as a bright blue liquid (sometimes called ‘blue nitro’) and less commonly as a crystal powder.
How is it used?
GHB is generally swallowed, although a small number of people have been reported as injecting or ‘shelving’ it (inserting into anus). GHB has been trialled as a treatment for alcohol and opiate (for example, heroin) withdrawal, and sleep disorders such as narcolepsy.
GHB has been marketed as a dietary supplement for body builders. It is claimed that GHB can increase the release of human growth hormone by prolonging slow-wave sleep, the stage of sleep when the highest amount of growth hormone is released. There is no evidence to support this theory.
GHB has been known to be used to facilitate sexual assault. Due to its appearance, GHB is easy to slip into a drink and it can cause drowsiness, sleep and short-term memory loss. This means that victims may not be able to resist or recall a sexual assault.
Some people take GHB for its ability to increase relaxation, sociability and disinhibition. Others may take it to help with the symptoms of the ‘comedown’ after using stimulants, such as amphetamines and ecstasy.
For more information, please click on the Australian Drug Foundation's DrugInfo Clearinghouse web site link below.
Last Reviewed: 20 September 2006
