GBL, or gamma-butyrolactone, is a precursor to GHB, or gamma-hydroxybutyrate. This drug is used for its euphoric effects in the middle of the night, a very small overdose can lead to coma or even death of the user. The risks are increased in the event of concomitant consumption of alcohol. What are the effects of this drug? How is it used? What to do to avoid taking it without knowing it?
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GHB is a molecule having a anesthetic power, used in the medical field. Its action is first euphoric then sedative. It’s a narcotic. Inasmuch as dopeit comes in the form of a powder soluble in a drink or in the form of a liquid. Consumption is by ingestion. The GBL, which turns into GHB in the body is also a liquid to ingest. It can be associated with chemical products increasing its toxicity. It is normally used by manufacturers as a solvent-stripping product thanks to its strong acidity. Its sale to the public alone or in a product containing more than 10% is prohibited to the public. GBL is sometimes mistakenly called “liquid ecstasy” or “liquid MDMA”: these substances are actually very different. Ecstasy and MDMA are stimulants while GBL is a depressant.
What are the effects of this drug?
Once metabolized to GHB by a enzyme (lactonase) in the liver and in the blood, GBL produces its effects rapidly, within 10 to 15 minutes. These last an hour and a half to two hours. The person feels euphoric and uninhibited, especially sexually. She may have nausea, dizziness, hallucinations.
In the event of an overdose (accidental or provoked), the person addicted to GBL will be under sedation and will not remember the episode (amnesia). The overdose is very quickly reached because a very small quantity of drug is enough to act on the organism. In addition, it takes longer for the effects of GBL to be felt compared to GHB, which may encourage the user to take more doses, increasing the risk of overdose. Large doses may lead to respiratory depression or coma, or even the death of the person. The concomitant alcohol consumption increases this risk.
How to avoid taking it without knowing it?
Causing sexual disinhibition and amnesia, GBL is nicknamed the date rape drug. It can be discreetly added to a drink at a party or in a nightclub. Here are some tips from prevention :
- in the evening, watch your glass, do not leave it on a table to go dancing for example;
- do not accept a drink offered, unless it is directly at the bar and that you can see its preparation;
- a fortiorido not consume a drink without knowing either its contents or its origin;
- pay attention to your friends. If one of them has an unusual behavior or feels unwell, stay with him, offer him water, suggest that he go outside to get some fresh air. If the person is unconscious, call for help.
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