GHB Addiction

GHB is a depressant. Known for its sedative and dissociative qualities, it is often used in the context of chemsex, where drugs are used in order to facilitate more intense and pleasurable sex. Whilst not all users engage in chemsex, GHB is one of three key ‘chems’ often used in these sexual sessions. GHB can be used outside of sex acts for users seeking feelings of mellowness, relaxation and a burst of happiness. However, news reports and statistical data alike suggest the multiple dangers of GHB use.

Linked to loss of consciousness, potential violence, sexual health risk, high addiction potential and overdose, GHB side effects are far from unthreatening. But what does an addiction to GHB look like? What is this drug, and how does it affect our bodies and minds? What are the wider risks of GHB, and are there plausible ways to treat addiction to GHB?

What is GHB?

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is being ‘increasingly recognised’ as an abusable substance. GHB is a depressant, as it slows down the messages being sent to and from the brain. This means that the key impact of the GHB drug is its sedative effects, as it can lead to a range of symptoms that resemble mild anaesthesia.

GHB is an endogenous neurochemical which occurs naturally in the human brain. Researchers are not currently certain what the exact role of natural GHB is, but there have been suggestions that it is present to regulate energy levels and sleep. It can also influence the level of dopamine in our brains.

GHB and GBL: What’s the difference?

The type of GHB that people get addicted to is not this naturally occurring substance. GHB can be ingested from ‘external sources.’ A chemical called Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) is readily available in industrial settings. It is found in different materials like nail polish and cleaning products. However, when GBL is consumed, it is converted into GBH, which produces sedative effects. ‘Pure’ GHB can also be found outside of the human body. Medical professionals sometimes prescribe GHB to treat complex sleep conditions such as narcolepsy. Such prescriptions are heavily monitored, however, due to the dangers associated with the drug.

GHB addiction: What does it look like?

It is possible to develop a dependency to GHB if you use it regularly. Frequent users have reported experiencing withdrawal symptoms from GHB following cessation of use.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Tremors
• Shaking
• Confusion
• Insomnia
• Hyperhidrosis
• High heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Psychosis
• Seizure
• Coma

The dangers of GHB

Recreational use of GHB is gathering increasing media attention due to its risk potential – but what are the main risks to consider?

GHB drug effects

Initial use of GHB is said to lead people to feel relaxed and experience an increase in libido. However, there are a range of physical and psychological effects caused by GHB. These include short-term impacts of the high itself and longer-term repercussions of consistent use.

Short-term

• Euphoria
• Sleepy
• Calm
• Confusion
• Increased sex-drive
• Reduced inhibitions
• Loss of consciousness
• Feeling sick
• Gaps in memory
• Diarrhoea
• Coma
• Overdose

Long-term

• Addiction
• GHB withdrawal
• Seizures
• Confusion
• Trembling
• Involuntary muscle movements
• Memory problems
• Heart disease
• Hallucinations
• Anxiety
• Difficulties breathing

Overdose

There is a real risk of overdosing on GHB. A GHB overdose may look like:

• Vomiting
• Respiratory depression (shallow breathing)
• Confusion
• Feeling anxious and agitated
• Blackouts
• Memory loss
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma

In serious cases, a GHB overdose has the potential to be fatal.

GHB is more likely to lead to overdose if taken alongside other drugs. This type of administration is known as polydrug use. Polydrug use has been implicated in a high number of drug-related deaths. GHB is thought to be particularly dangerous when mixed with:

• MDMA
• Methamphetamine
• Nitrous oxide
• Opioids
• Ketamine
• Benzodiazepines

Sexual health risks

As GHB is linked to an increase in libido and engagement in sexual acts, there is a risk that GHB use could lead to unsafe sex, resulting in:

• unplanned pregnancy
• development of STIs
• causing damage to the vagina, anus, mouth or penis
• non-consensual sex acts / sexual assault

There has been evidence that GHB has been used as a weapon to conduct sexual violence. The BBC reported a survey which estimated that ‘more than a quarter of those polled were sexually assaulted when unconscious.’

Outside of intentional violence, using GHB in consensual acts can blur the lines between comfortable and uncomfortable sex. In order to promote harm reduction with this drug, it is very important to establish ‘rules’ for sexual acts, especially in the context of group chemsex.

Is GHB legal?

Recreational use

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971, GHB is a Class B drug.

This means that:

• Possession of GHB can lead to up to 5 years in prison or an unlimited fine.
• Supplying or producing GHB can lead to up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine.

GHB is known for the way that it can make people feel sleepy and lose consciousness. For that reason, it has been dubbed the ‘rapist’s weapon of choice.’ Whilst, of course, not all users choose GHB for the way it can facilitate sex (both in terms of consensual chemsex and non-consensual sex in terms of ‘date-raping’), it has been linked to several instances of sexual violence. Due to this, as part of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, it is also ‘an offence to administer a substance, like GHB and GBL, to a person with intent to overpower that person to enable sexual activity with them.’ Such an act can lead to up to 10 years in prison.

Use in industry

That said, the ‘legitimate use’ of GBL in industrial settings – such as in producing cleaning materials – is sanctioned. However, this is still heavily regulated and monitored.

How is GHB used?

GHB/GBL can be purchased as a liquid,  powder, or capsule. However, most of the time, the drug is in liquid form. It can smell like soap or salt or have a chemical twang. This makes it very hard to measure out an appropriate amount of the drug, which does increase the risk of accidental overdose. Users may carry equipment such as vials or pipettes to administer the drug. GHB can be taken in several ways, including:

• Mixing it with soft drinks and swallowing
• Snorting GHB powder

There have also been cases of individuals injecting the drug – however, this is very uncommon and heightens the risk of GHB use dramatically.

How long does GHB stay in your system?

If you ingest GHB, you will typically feel its effects within 10 minutes. This high can then last for up to 7 hours. GHB can be detected in drug tests. Each kind of test has a different detection window. It can be detected in:

• Blood for up to 7 hours
• Hair for up to a month
• Saiva for up to 6 hours
• Urine for up to 12 hours

Treatment for GHB addiction

If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction to GHB, then you may benefit from professional advice from healthcare professionals in the industry. With a non-judgemental, confidential, sensitive and highly expert care, attending rehab can be a life-changing step. Contact us to discuss treatment options available to you, from detox to GHB rehab. Treatment programmes may include a multidimensional rehab plan consisting of any of the following intervention types:

• 12-Step Programme
• Art Therapy
• CBT
• DBT
• Detox
• Family Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Meditation and Mindfulness
• Medically assisted treatment

Contact us today and see how Oasis Bradford can help you on your road to recovery from GHB addiction.