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 Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 12:32 pm Post subject: What effect does it have? |
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The effects of GHB can generally be felt within five to twenty minutes after ingestion. They usually last no more than one and a half to three hours, although they can be indefinitely prolonged through repeated dosing. The effects of GHB are very dose-dependent. Small increases in the amount taken lead to significant intensification of the effect.
The effect of GHB at lower doses are a cross between alcohol and the hypnotic sedative Methaqualone Hydroxide (mandrax) that was popular in the 1970's but is no longer prescribed. Inhibitions are lowered in a similar fashion to moderate doses of alcohol.
Most users find that low doses of GHB induces a pleasant state of relaxation and tranquility. Frequent effects are placidity, sensuality, mild euphoria and a tendency to talk. Anxieties and inhibitions tend to dissolve into a feeling of emotional warmth, wellbeing and pleasant drowsiness. The 'morning after' effects of GHB appear to lack the unpleasant characteristics associated with alcohol and other relaxation-oriented drugs.
At higher doses this mild sedative effect gives way to the anaesthetic action of GHB and users experience giddiness, loss of emotional control and interference with mobility and verbal coherence.
Consequences of using GHB
Consequences for health
The foremost risk to health with using this drug is that you never know what you are getting. Too much GHB can be deadly. Most of it is made at home by amateur chemists and may or may not be pure. Toxic compounds left behind by kitchen sink chemistry can - at best - burn mouths and throats.
Although it's an anaesthetic, at low to moderate doses GHB works as a sedative rather than a painkiller. It is the sedative effect that drug abusers are looking for. The problem is, the amount of GHB you need to take to feel the sedative effect is very close to the amount needed for anaesthesia - and this is very close to the amount that can cause seizures or coma. Also, as it's a homemade drug, purity will vary and a user could easily take a higher dose than he or she intended. It's a risky business.
Physical side effects and possible damage to health occur mainly when GHB is taken in a dose sufficient for the anaesthetic properties of the drug to start to operate. This can cause nausea, drowsiness, amnesia, vomiting, loss of co-ordination, respiratory problems and occasionally unconsciousness. After excessive use, seizures and coma can occur.
It is not yet clear if users can become tolerant to GHB or become psychologically or physically dependent upon it. However, it seems probable that tolerance and/or psychological dependence could occur in some individuals and a withdrawal syndrome has been reported that may last 3-12 days including insomnia, anxiety and tremor. Little is known of the drug's long term effects on physical health or emotional well-being.
As a sedative drug, there is a very serious risk of overdose or damage to health if GHB is taken with other depressants - such as alcohol. Drinking alcohol with GHB could easily lead to respiratory failure or coma.
Legal Consequences
In July 2003, GHB became controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) and is now categorised as a Class C drug. The maximum penalty for possession is 2 years in prison. The maximum penalty for possession with intent to supply is 14 years in prison.
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