Gamma-hydroxybutyrate or GHB, is a chemical that the body makes on its own to calm the nervous system. However it can also be made into a drug and taken in large amounts makes users feel high and has a number of dangerous side effects including addiction and GHB withdrawal.
GHB essentially slows down the central nervous system. It usually comes in the form of a powder or a clear, odourless liquid. When you take GHB, it makes you feel happy, lowers your inhibitions, and increases your sex drive. Other effects include feeling dizzy, tired, blacking out, and losing your memory.
Scientists discovered GHB’s hypnotic and sedative effects in the early 1960s with it rapid effects on the brain leding to unconsciousness. The initial trials synthesised GHB as an anaesthetic however its use quickly faded in medical use due the availability of better anaesthetics.
GHB fits in a group of drug commonly called “club drugs” in the same category as ecstasy/MDMA, ketamine, methamphetamine and rohypnol. GHB and rohypnol are often called “date rape drugs” because they can make victims/ users unconscious.
Most frequently used “date-rape” drugs are GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid), ketamine, and rohypnol.
On the street they are often called by other names like Grievous Body Harm, Liquid G, Liquid Ecstasy, Somatomax, Cherry Meth, Easy Lay, and Gamma 10 are all street names for GHB. Some street names for ketamine are Special K, Ket and K, Vitamin K, Kit Kat, Keller, Cat Valium, Purple, and Super C. Some street names for rohypnol are Roofies, R2, Roofenol, Roche, Roachies, La Rocha, Rope, Rib, Circles, Mexican Valium, Roach-2, Roopies, Ropies, Forget Pill, Trip-and-Fall, and Mind Erasers.
The term “Liquid Ecstasy” however is most often used to talk about two different drugs. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and 1,4-butanediol (BD) Even though both are fall into the street name “Liquid Ecstasy,” their effects and risks can be quite different.
- Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a drug that slows down the central nervous system.
- 1,4-butanediol (BD) is a clear liquid, that changes into gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in the body.
These substances usually come in a clear liquid with no smell that is often added to drinks to make the substances taste better. Both drugs are known for making people feel happy and calm. However 1,4-butanediol is considered to be more dangerous because it has a number of serious health issues like seizures, coma and even death.
GHB Risks
In many countries, including South Africa, both GHB and 1,4-butanediol (BD) are illegal substances. They are considered to be Schedule I drugs, which means they have a high chance of being abused and have no known medical use. In addition to the legal risks, there is a high risk of overdose and other serious health problems when these substances are used. People can easily overdose on G when it is mixed with alcohol or other drugs or when the strength of different formulations varies. This can make them unable to speak, have convulsions, lose consciousness and some cases even stop breathing.
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) can be synthesized from common industrial chemicals. Some of these chemicals can be easily obtained from hardware stores or chemical supply companies or even over the internet. Thus it’s likley that the manufacture GHB in most regions comes from home laboratories.
GHB – The Date Rape Drug
Date-rape drugs are drugs that make it easier for predators to put them into someone’s drink without them knowing which in turn makes the victum pass out and which also makes them so dangerous.
Like many drug cases when the victim is unconscious they dont actually know what happened which is why thye very often don’t tell the police – even if they strongly suspect foul play. This makes it incredibly hard to know how big the date rape problem is from a statistical perspective as so much goes un-reported. People don’t know what happened or even if in fact there was a crime commited. Shame and guilt weigh in and more often than not victims simply dont want to talk about the embarrassing gaps and have no clear recollection of the events or their complicacy when under the influence.
GHB and Addiction
GHB addiction happens when a person becomes dependent on the drug and keep using it even with negative consequences to their health and wellbeing. GHB addiction can cause physical and psychological dependence, withdrawal symptoms and other physical and mental health problems such as depression. GHB addiction happens more often in people who take high doses or use it often building up a tolerance, which means you have to take more of the substance to get the same effect.
Some of the signs and symptoms of GHB addiction include:
- Cravings for the drug
- Continued use of the drug despite negative consequences
- Withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not used
- Inability to control drug use
- Neglecting responsibilities due to drug use
- Using the drug in dangerous situations
- Tolerance to the drug
Regular users of GHB risk developing a physical and psychological dependence on the drug. Severe withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, tremors, and seizures, can occur as a result of this addiction and pose a serious health risk. It is possible for GHB to cause respiratory depression, which in turn can cause unconsciousness and even death. In addition, it can lead to hallucinations, disorientation, and memory loss, all of which can have serious and long-lasting consequences.
The toll that GHB use takes on the lives of those who are affected is one of the saddest aspects of this problem. Grief and loss are common outcomes for those closest to those who have died from GHB. Addiction to drugs or alcohol can cause stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions in family members and friends, not to mention financial and legal problems.
Treatment for GHB addiction may involve a combination of behavioral therapies and medications. It is important to seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with GHB addiction.
What does being ‘roofied’ mean?
Being ‘roofied’ refers to the act of being drugged without knowledge or consent, often with drugs like Rohypnol, GHB, or Ketamine.
What are common drugs used for roofing?
Rohypnol: A potent benzodiazepine, not approved in the U.S., effects start within 30 minutes.
GHB: Prescribed for narcolepsy, effects felt within 15-30 minutes.
Ketamine: A veterinary anesthetic, effects last 30 minutes to an hour.
How common is being roofied?
Studies suggest about 1 in 13 college students has been drugged without consent, with women being more frequently targeted and at higher risk of sexual assault.
What are the signs and symptoms of being roofied?
Symptoms include extreme brain fog, disorientation, difficulty focusing, loss of muscle control, sensation of paralysis, extreme drunkenness, and memory lapses. Read the complete source article about roofied symptoms article on FHE health’s website.
What should you do if you suspect someone has been roofied?
Ensure their safety, have them drink water, and seek immediate medical attention. Do not let them sleep it off due to risks of drug interactions and overdose.
What should you do if you suspect you’ve been roofied?
Call 911 immediately, stay in a safe area with people, drink water, and seek medical attention. Avoid driving and showering before a medical exam if sexual assault is suspected.
What are the chances of permanent damage from being roofied?
There’s a risk of permanent cognitive impairment, especially if seizures occurred. Psychological issues like PTSD are more common.
How can you prevent being roofied?
Always go out with trusted friends, don’t accept drinks from strangers, cover your drink, and stay with your group. Be cautious and use common sense over relying solely on drink-testing gadgets.
