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What is
GHB?
GHB
is gamma-hydroxybutyrate. It was
originally developed as anesthetic, but
was withdrawn due to unwanted side
effects. The only legal use of GHB has
been as an investigational treatment for
the treatment of narcolepsy. In Europe,
GHB has been used as an anesthetic and
experimentally to treat alcohol
withdrawal. It is being marketed in
England as an antigen medicine that
allegedly increases the libido,
decreases body fat, aids alcohol
withdrawal, and induces sleep.
GHB
is a chemical that has been promoted as
a steroid alternative for bodybuilding
and other uses for several years.
Recently, it has gained favor as a
recreational drug because of its
intoxicating effects. In the past GHB
has undergone clinical testing for
several indications, it has never been
approved for sale as a medical product
in this country.
Reports
of use and abuse of GHB occurred about
ten years ago, prompting the FDA to
began an intensive investigation of
distribution after numerous cases of GHB-related
illness were reported. Recently,
however, there appears to be a
resurgence in the abuse of GHB;
virtually all of the products now
encountered have been produced in
clandestine laboratories. This increase
in use has been accompanied by an
increase in reports of GHB-related
injuries, including deaths.
What does
GHB look like and what are the effects?
GHB
is an odorless, colorless, nearly
tasteless, but slightly salty-tasting
drug available in liquid, powder or
capsule form. Liquid GHB is being used
in nightclubs for effects similar to
those of Rohypnol. On the club scene it
is also known as “liquid ecstasy”,
“grievous bodily harm”, “GBH”, “somatomax”,
“Georgia
Home
Boy” or “scoop”.
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 Coma
and seizures can occur following abuse
of GHB and, when combined with
methamphetamine, there appears to be an
increased risk of seizure. Combining
use with other drugs such as alcohol can
result in nausea and difficulty
breathing. GHB may also produce
withdrawal effects, including insomnia,
anxiety, vertigo, seizures, vomiting and
sweating. After excessive use, some
users have experienced loss of
consciousness, irregular and depressed
respiration, tremors, or coma.
GHB
is currently circulating within the
dance music scene (at raves and night
clubs) as an alternative to Ecstasy or
Amphetamine Sulfate (speed).
In
Atlanta, GHB is commonly used as
synthetic steroid at fitness centers and
gyms. There are reports that GHB is
available in Tennessee and is used
primarily by “rave club” party goers to
enhance the effects of alcohol. As with
Rohypnol and Clonazepam, GHB has been
associated with sexual assault in cities
throughout the country. To counter-act
this in 1996, Congress passed the
“Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and
Punishment Act of 1996”. This
legislation increased federal penalties
for use of any controlled substance to
aid in sexual assault. |
