Gamma
hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an illicit chemical that has become a major cause of
drug-related comas in the US and other countries. In fact, the number of GHB overdoses in the United States has
now out-paced overdoses from MDMA (Ecstasy).
GHB was rejected by the American medical community in the 1960s, but has
become popular among many people for its ability to cross the blood-brain
barrier freely and depress consciousness, resulting in euphoria and
intoxication. It is also touted on
the Internet as a sleep aid, an anti-depressant and weight loss product,
although these uses are not substantiated by reality and may carry a potentially
deadly twist. Starting first as an
alternative to steroids in the late 1980s, when steroids were being controlled,
GHB has grown into a multi-headed medical nightmare, draining emergency room
services, shattering the lives of those who have lost loved ones to it, and
terrifying families/friends of those addicted to it.
Yet it is still a mystery to most law enforcement officers,
medical/coroner personnel, and parents.
GHB
was first synthesized in France more than 40 years ago as a possible anesthetic,
but because of its undesirable side effects was rejected by the American medical
community. Its legal use anywhere
is dwindling as countries are beginning to recognize the problems.
GHB resurfaced in 1987 as an orphan drug being researched to treat the
combination of sleep disorders known as narcolepsy/cataplexy. At about the same
time, steroid users were told that it might enhance the body’s production of
growth hormone (in deep sleep state). However,
due to growing numbers of overdoses, it was ordered off the shelves of stores in
November 1990. Unfortunately, it
has gained status as a recreational drug and as a rape drug, and has become
dangerously common. As a result of
increased restrictions on GHB itself, its “analogs,” or chemical cousins
that turn into GHB in the body, have become increasingly prevalent.
*Attendees
at dance clubs or “rave” parties are perhaps the most prominent users of GHB
to alter mood.
*Sexual
predators of all ages are attracted by the disinhibiting and euphoric effects of
GHB, for they know a user may be easily taken advantage of in an assault.
Some exotic dancers and strippers self-dose with GHB, seeking a
“sexier” performance.
*Bodybuilders
and other athletes, including professional athletes, are the least recognized
users. In fact, this group, often
using it on a daily basis, are the ones most likely to become addicted.
*Business
professionals who travel frequently and think GHB is a safe sleep aid
(comparable to melatonin, for example) are another unrecognized group, also
subject to addiction and withdrawal.
*The
elderly are also potential victims, being told that GHB is an anti-aging
compound.
*Gay
and lesbian populations also use GHB as a recreational drug.
In some cases, it is also used in this community for rape or robbery
purposes..
*People
subject to drug testing programs use GHB as an alcohol substitute and to bypass
drug testing.
NOTE:
Identification of GHB is complicated by the short duration of time that
it persists in body fluids and by the absence of GHB testing from the normal
testing procedures of most agencies.
This will change, as risks of GHB are more widely recognized.
Over
the past several years, a variety of states, beginning with Rhode Island and
Georgia, have added GHB to their lists of controlled substances, thus making it
possible for criminal penalties to be administered for use of the drug. This
forced gamma butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (BD), to step into the
spotlight. GBL is both a precursor (a primary ingredient in making GHB) and an
active analog (a substance that converts to GHB in the human body, with the same
physical effect as GHB). BD is an
active analog, also converting rapidly to GHB in the body.
Another analog that has surfaced, gamma hydroxyvalerate (GHV), is on its
way to becoming as universal as GBL and BD.
Both GBL and BD achieve this conversion inside of the body, and GBL can
transform into GHB both inside and outside of the body.
GHB remains accessible to abusers through this simple conversion, though
all are illegal for human consumption since March 2000, when GHB was federally
scheduled. What is unsettling,
though, is how easy it is to get a hold of these precursors. GBL and BD and
valeric acid substances are available at gyms, chemical supply stores, the
Internet, and through mail order. They are sold as powders, capsules, gels or
liquids and can be found in a variety of concentrations, colors, and flavors.
There are more than 80 street and trade names for GHB and its analogs.
GHB’s depressant effects on the brain in low doses produce a high or euphoric feeling as inhibitions are depressed. When the dose is increased, profound coma results. The heart rate may also be depressed or slowed. Effects on the nervous system may result in a spasm of muscle contractions called myoclonus, producing seizure-like movements. Other effects such as confusion, amnesia, vomiting and irregular breathing are dangerous when combined with the major depressant effects of GHB. Other drugs in combination with GHB, especially other depressants such as alcohol, may worsen the depressive effects and increase the possibility of a fatal outcome. The “desired” effects for GHB in low doses may sound inviting, but the consequence of the wrong dose may be death. The dosage response of GHB is quite steep, meaning that a tiny increase in dose may cause a dramatic increase in symptoms and, thus, in risk. Variable effects mean that a teaspoon might be perfect one time, but may become an overdose the next time! It is also important to be aware of the consequences that occur when GHB is mixed with other chemicals. For instance, mixing GHB with alcohol or other depressants is even more likely to result in death. The effects last about four hours and can resolve quite suddenly.
Selling,
administering, or otherwise providing GHB to another person, whether they take
it willfully or not, can result in a variety of criminal charges ranging from
possession, possession for sale, sale, or poisoning to even manslaughter and
homicide. Administering GHB to an
individual for purposes of sex (whether concealed or disguised as a “tonic”
or health drink) or having sex with a person unconscious or impaired by GHB (or
other drugs) can also result in a variety of criminal charges.
Civil charges may also be brought against the person (or business) who
sells, supplies or administers GHB in some circumstances.
These consequences will vary from state to state or country to country.
The
most distinctive and terrifying feature of GHB is its overdose time course.
Within 15 minutes a person’s state of mind becomes altered and there is a high
possibility of a loss of consciousness or an actual coma.
Breathing can slow to only four to six breathes per minute!
Most people do “sleep off” a GHB overdose; those who don’t are
called “dead.” A GHB overdose IS
a 911 emergency.
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