User:Ebonypalmer1/Sandbox

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, or GHB, is an illegal drug that is sometimes used as a ‘party drug’ in the dance and club scene. It produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation and sociability, and an increased urge for sex. GHB acts as a nervous system depressant and is highly addictive. Even a small increase in dose can cause serious effects or death. GHB has been used to spike drinks and as a 'date rape' drug.

Other names for GHB
Some street names for GHB include; "G" (most common), Gamma-OH, Liquid E, Fantasy, Georgia Home Boy, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid X, Liquid Ecstasy (is not ecstasy), Scoop, Water, Everclear, Great Hormones at Bedtime, GBH, Soap, Easy Lay, Salty Water, G-Riffick, Cherry Meth, and Organic Quaalude, Jib.

GHB uses
GHB was first manufactured and studied in the 1960s and used as a general anaesthetic. It was also widely available in the 1980s as a dietary supplement and bodybuilding product. GHB is bought on the streets or over the Internet in liquid form or as a white powdered material for illicit use. It is taken orally and is frequently combined with alcohol. Much of the GHB found on the streets or over the Internet is produced in illegal labs. GHB is sometimes used to spike drinks and has been involved in cases of sexual assault. It is easy to slip it into a drink, because it has no colour or smell and it can cause drowsiness, sleep and short-term memory loss. This means that victims may not be able to resist or recall a sexual assault. For this reason, it is sometimes known as a ‘date rape’ drug. GHB has since been withdrawn from use in many countries because of unwanted side effects. It is now an illegal drug in Australia.

GHB effects
GHB can affect everyone differently, based on many factors. These include; the amount taken, the strength of the drug and also the size, weight and health of the person.

Some short term effects that may begin within 15 to 20 minutes of taking GHB include
- Feelings of euphoria

- Increased sex drive

- Lowered inhibitions

- Memory lapses

- Drowsiness

- Clumsiness

- Dizziness or headache

- Lowered temperature and heart rate

- Tremors

- Nausea

- Diarrhoea

- Urinary incontinence

Symptoms of a overdose GHB include
- Vomiting

- Sweating

- Irregular or shallow breathing

- Confusion, irritation and agitation

- Hallucinations

- Blackouts and memory loss

- Unconsciousness that can last 3–4 hours

- Seizures

- Death

GHB withdrawal
Giving up GHB after using it for a long time is challenging because the body has to get used to functioning without it. Advice on doing so should be sought from a health professional. Sudden withdrawal from high doses can result in bowel and bladder incontinence and blackouts.

Withdrawal symptoms usually start about 12 hours after the last dose and can continue for about 15 days.

These symptoms can include
- Confusion and agitation

- Anxiety and panic

- Feelings of doom and paranoia

- Restless sleep

- Muscle cramps and tremors

- Sweating

- Hallucinations

- Fast heart beat