GHB is a drug that comes in the form of a soluble white powder or a transparent, odorless liquid. It can be taken deliberately or poured into a drink without the knowledge of the person. It can also be injected by injection. What are the effects of GHB? Its dangers? How to detect it? By blood test?
[Mise à jour le 22 avril 2022 à 15h42] the GHB is a dope which is in the form of a soluble white powder or liquid clear and odorless. He is often billed as the “date rape drug” following several legal cases in which it was used as a means of chemical submission of the victim, even if its use for criminal purposes remains marginal. He can be poured, without your knowledge, into a drink, without changing its appearance. So be careful and attentive to your drink, especially in a festive environment. It can also be administered by injection. In France, dozens of young people say they have been bitten during evenings in discotheques in March and April in different parts of the body (buttocks, thighs, arms, etc.) and having afterwards felt unwell, nauseated, or even, for some, a “black hole“. The facts took place at Grenoble, Beziers, Nantes or Rennes. What are the effects of GHB? How the detect in the blood ? Can we be addicted to it? How to get rid of it?
What is GHB?
the GHB (acid GammaHydroxyButyric) also called “liquid ecstasy”, “date rape drug” or “rapist” is in the form of a soluble white powder or a colorless, odorless and tasteless liquid. It is packaged in small glass or plastic vials. It can be poured, without a person’s knowledge, into a drink, without changing its appearance. It is mainly consumed orally but it can also be injected (more marginal mode of consumption). the GHB is a drug classified as narcotic, with the exception of injectable preparations reserved for hospital use.
What are the effects of GHB?
The effects vary depending on the consumer, the context of consumption, the quantity and the quality of GHB. They last about 1 hour, only 15 to 30 minutes after absorption. The first effect is often that of a feeling hot and drunk comparable to that of alcohol. For some low to moderate doses, the consumer feels a sense of tranquility, a slight euphoria and disinhibition. To high doses, the effects of GHB are those of a powerful sleeping pill with a risk of coma. The Side effects GHB can appear from the smallest doses with a risk of overdose. It is mainly about physical symptoms:
- headache,
- dizziness,
- dizziness,
- hypersalivation,
- nausea,
- vomiting
- drowsiness.
A confusion and amnesia may appear in case ofassociation with alcohol specifically. They must alert and require rapid medical care. Some athletes also use GHB to stimulate their muscle development because it facilitates the release of growth hormone. GHB is most often consumed in festive circles but its use can also be diverted for illegal purposes because of its amnesic and sleep-inducing effect. It is often consumed with alcohol or other drugs, increasing health risks.
GHB is detectable in the blood in certain specialized analysis laboratories. He is present for less than 12 hours in the urine and a few hours in the blood. It is particularly difficult to detect because it quickly disappears from the body.
What is GHB made of?
GHB is a synthetic product that consists of two substances: Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and the 1.4 butanediol (1,4-BD). GBL is used as a solvent in the paint industry. As for 1,4-BD, it comes in the form of a colorless viscous liquid used in chemical industries to produce resins and polyester. When ingested, these substances are converted into GHB by the body.
What is the difference between GHB and GBL?
GBL (Gamma-butyrolactone) is a component of GHB. It is a chemical product used as a solvent-stripper by industry. It is transformed in the body, after absorption, mainly into GHB. This is why GBL is said to be a precursor to GHB, and they have the same effects.
What are the signs of GHB addiction?
Dependence on GHB is not scientifically established and remains debated. The cases would be rare because the substance would not be very addictive, that is to say that there would be little or no habituation (need to increase the doses to have the same effect). Even if the feelings of tranquillity, euphoria and drunkenness can encourage you to renew your doses regularly, daily consumption remains marginal. After regular use, it is possible to experience a severe withdrawal syndrome with strong anxiety, restlessness, tremors, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms can go as far as tachycardia, insomnia and even hallucinations and severe psychosis requiring urgent medical attention.
As with any addiction to a narcotic, a addiction treatment is necessary, whether by a private addictologist, in a hospital or in a CSAPA (Centres for Care, Support and Prevention in Addictology). There is no no GHB replacement therapy but an anxiolytic treatment can be prescribed if necessary, always in addition to psychotherapy. Some therapies such as CBT (Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy) have proven themselves in this type of addition.
What is the price of GHB?
Its price is between 10 and 20 euros per half-literwhich makes it an accessible drug, sometimes cheaper than alcohol.
Learn more about: Drug Info Service 0800 23 13 13 (every day from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., anonymous and free call from a landline).