GHB/GBL

aka G

How does it feel?

How is it used?

Is it addictive?

G Withdrawal

Things to be aware of

G is a depressant and as such can make you feel more relaxed, slowed down and it also opens up peoples muscles which is one of the reasons it is used as a “chemsex” drug, to make different types of sex easier, such as fisting or having a lot of sex. It can be highly addictive and use for even just a few weeks can create dependence, so the possibility of addiction is high.

Positives: Relaxed, turned on, drowsy

Negatives: Increased risk of “going under” (losing consciousness) , overdose risk is high, insomnia, risk of dependency

Liquid form, measured in a pipette, and drank mixed into a soft drink. It has been reportedly also added to lube, and sometimes without people's knowledge. Occasionally appears as a powder.

GBL – a liquid with a strong, chemical smell and taste.

GHB – a clear odourless and tasteless liquid.

G is a substance which people build a tolerance to and so they quickly require more and more to reach the same effect. People may also develop a physical dependence on this drug. This means that if they suddenly stop using it they will experience withdrawal effects which will be unpleasant, dangerous and in some cases fatal. Symptoms include agitation, seizures, hallucinations. When a physical dependence has developed and people are using daily they may require a medical detox and some supervision to be able to stop using safely.

Some of the signs of dependency/addiction to G include:

Withdrawal symptoms
Thinking about G often
Dosing regularly, like once every few days or every day
Making use a priority over work and relationships
Taking more and more G as you build up tolerance

If you take G regularly and then suddenly quit, you are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms, even if you only use it for a week. If you use G heavily over a period of time you must not quit usage 'cold turkey' as this can cause life-threatening risks. Signs of withdrawal include:

Anxiety
Restlessness/Insomnia
Sweating
Elevated heart rate and/or blood pressure
Nausea/vomiting
Tremors
Stomach cramps
Diarrhoea
Confusion and paranoia
Delirium/Psychosis/Hallucinations
Seizures

GBL is converted into GHB in the body but both are available for purchase and are often advertised as a cleaning chemical or paint stripper.

A very small amount of G can have a sedative effect however the effect wears off very quickly and people must frequently “dose” to continue to experience the effects.

If you are wanting or needing to come off G, you will need to detox which can be done with support from services and the NHS. Reach out to us for more information about this at chemsex@lgbt.foundation

Learn more: https://www.drugsand.me/drugs/ghb/risks