GHB: how you can avoid the ‘drop zone'
WHAT IS GHB?
GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) is a central nervous system depressant. This means it slows down the messages travelling between the brain and the body. It usually comes as a colourless and odourless salty tasting liquid. It sometimes comes as a blue liquid and rarely in tablet or powder form.
GHB is usually swallowed but can be injected or shelved/booty bumped.
MINIMISING RISKS OF OVERDOSE
- Mixing GHB with other depressants such as alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, ketamine and antihistamines increases both the depressive effects and the risk of an overdose being fatal.
- Wait to feel any effects of GHB before taking more. Sometimes the chemicals, GBL and 1,4BD are sold as GHB, these are precursors to GHB, meaning that they need to convert to GHB in the body, this conversion process delays the feeling of any GHB effects.
- Avoid using alone, without your friends or partners at home, or in other situations where help might not be available.
- Avoid using GHB in a pool or spa.
- Keep in mind a “g nap” is not just a nap – you can have too little oxygen to your brain during the time you are ‘sleeping’ and risk brain damage.
SIGNS OF A GHB OVERDOSE
A GHB/GBL overdose can be fatal. If someone is showing signs of overdose:
- inability to be woken from sleep
- incoherence
- profuse sweating
- vomiting
- breathing irregularly
- inability to stand
- seizures
- unconsciousness
DON’T HESITATE!
CALL 000 IMMEDIATELY!
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN OVERDOSE
- Get (medical) help immediately if you or someone else experience any overdose symptoms.
- If you are in a club or at a dance party, attract the attention of medical or security staff, or ACON Rovers. In a private setting or in a location where medical assistance is not available, call 000.
- Ask for an ambulance and you will be connected to a control centre for Ambulance NSW. A control centre assistant will ask you a standard set of questions. Answer their questions in a calm and clear manner. Once you have answered all questions, do not hang up the phone, stay on the line and follow any instructions that they give you.
MORE INFORMATION
- GHB/GBL- Between the Lines
- Regular use of GHB can lead to dependence and withdrawal and it is important to talk to a health professional if you are planning to stop using GHB. If you or someone you know is experiencing any problems and issues using GHB or any other drugs you can get help and support:
- ACON Phone: 02 9206 2000 Freecall: 1800 063 060 Email: acon@acon.org.au
- ADIS (Alcohol and other Drugs Information Service) Sydney: 02 9361 8000 Country NSW: 1800 422 599