GHB/GBL – Medium to High Risk

Thanks for using our self-assessment tool; you have indicated that you are using GHB/GBL at a medium-high level.

We know that using GHB/GBL can have desirable short term effects like increased libido and feelings of euphoria and you’re probably also well aware that using GHB/GBL can also have short term negative effects like dizziness, headaches, lowered heart rate and clumsiness/loss of motor control.

Because the chemical makeup of GHB/GBL varies between batches, not a lot is known about the long-term effects of using GHB/GBL; however it can be very easy to overdose on GHB/GBL.

A GHB/GBL overdose can be fatal, if a mate/partner is showing signs of overdose (sweating, vomiting, breathing irregularly, inability to stand, seizures and unconsciousness), don’t hesitate, and call 000 immediately.

To reduce the risks and harms associated with GHB/GBL use, the safest option is not to use it. Try to avoid mixing GHB/GBL with alcohol as it can dramatically increase the risk of overdose. Another overdose risk occurs when people take another dose of GHB/GBL too soon, try to take your time and wait for your first dose to take its effect (setting an alarm on your phone may help with this). It’s a good idea to let someone you trust know you intend to take GHB/GBL so they can help out if things go wrong.

Keep in mind that if you have been using quite a lot of GHB/GBL every day for several weeks or more, your body may have become dependent on the drug. If you are dependent on GHB/GBL it may be dangerous to stop using it suddenly – suddenly stopping GHB/GBL may cause hallucinations and seizures. It’s a good idea to consult with a health professional if you are considering quitting your GHB/GBL use.

If you would like to cut down your GHB/GBL use check out our resources section, Touchbase (an LGBTI focused website for alcohol and other drug information and support) or the World Health Organisation self-help manual.

Maybe it’s time to get in touch with ACON’s Substance Support team. Substance Support provides confidential and FREE short term counselling for LGBTI people and people living with HIV seeking support in relation to their use of alcohol and other drugs. Substance Support counsellors work from a harm reduction approach to assist clients reach their goals to manage use, reduce or quit.

You can contact Substance Support here or on (02) 9206 2000. Counselling not your thing? You can also call the alcohol and drug information service (ADIS). ADIS is a 24 hour telephone based information , education, referral and support service call 9361 8000 in Sydney or 1800 422 599 (non-metro areas).