BODY & MIND
Club Drugs: Effects, Risks, and Addiction
Club Drug Quick Links
Crystal Methamphetamine
Ecstasy
GHB
Ketamine
Poppers
Cocaine
Heroin
Crystal Methamphetamine
Ecstasy
GHB
Ketamine
Poppers
Cocaine
Heroin
| FEATURED CLUB DRUG: GHB | |
| Street Name: G, Liquid Ecstasy, GBH, Grievous Bodily Harm. | |
| What It Is: A depressant and intoxicant made from gamma butyrolactone (GBL) and sodium or potassium hydroxide—in other words, you’re downing a cocktail of de-greasing solvent mixed with drain cleaner. | |
| What It Does: When you ingest GBL, your body converts it into GHB via two enzymes. This process explains not only its delayed effects but also its frequency of accidental overdose, especially when taken with alcohol; the booze both slows down the conversion, leading the user to re-dose to feel the expected effect, and makes the GHB last longer in the body. Although its mechanism of action remains a bit mysterious, it is thought that at peak levels the GHB has a sedative effect, while at lower levels it acts more like a stimulant. This would explain the up-down-up quality of GHB intoxication. | |
| Dose: A clear liquid that looks like water. Its highly concentrated street form is generally sold in little complimentary-size plastic bottles. A dose is usually a capful, nine per bottle. | |
| Duration: It lasts from one and a half to three hours, though mixing it with alcohol prolongs the effect. | |
| Effects: Feelings of euphoria, energy, and desire; increased sensual or sexual feelings; muscle relaxation, loss of coordination, including gag reflex. | |
| Risks: In the short term, side effects include nausea, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting, loss of muscle control, difficulty breathing, and blacking out. Fatal overdoses are a real danger, especially when GHB is combined with alcohol or other depressants (as is often the case). A review of 194 GHB-related deaths found that most resulted from respiratory depression caused by interaction with alcohol or other drugs; the most likely cause of death was inhalation of vomit while unconscious. If you are at a club and someone on GHB falls unconscious or has a seizure, call 911. While waiting for the ambulance, lay the person on their side to prevent choking on vomit. | |
| Addiction: GHB is rarely physically or psychologically addictive, but frequent use at weekend circuit parties or raves can become compulsive. | |
