GHB

AKA

Liquid ecstasy, Juice, GBL, BDO, GBH, Blue Nitro, Midnight Blue, RenewTrient, Reviarent, SomatoPro, Serenity, Enliven and the chemical name is gammahydroxybutyrate

GHB factoid GHB has some strange uses. It can treat sleep disorders and alcoholism and it is a body building supplement, a date rape drug and a club drug.
(Release)

What is it?

GHB is a man-made anaesthetic drug. It has been popular in the club scene since the mid-90s. Although it is called liquid E, it is not like ecstasy at all. The effects are quite different.

It often comes as a clear liquid that tastes very slightly salty. People take it by the capful. Sometimes it comes as a powder that is dissolved in water.

How does it make you feel?

GHB is a bit like alcohol only more potent. A small capful can make you confident, happy, and relaxed.

Too much will make you dizzy, sick, confused and wobbly. Way too much will put you totally out.

If you buy it in a bottle, it's hard to know how strong it is. It takes 10 minutes to an hour to come on.

The day after you'll probably feel quite groggy.

What are the health effects?

GHB has been used in 'date rapes'. You can't taste GHB in drinks and a strong dose can put you right out and leave you open to sexual assault. Be very careful of who you take drinks from. Don't go back to a drink if you've left it on its own. Stick with your mates. A few people have been rushed to hospital after taking it with alcohol. The long-term health effects of GHB aren't really understood.

The law

GHB is an illegal Class C drug. It carries a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison for possession and 14 years for supply.

Written by Kate Roach

Last updated July 2007

Further help and advice

Ask Frank entry on GHB

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