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GHB
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GHB

Also known as: G, fantasy, liquid ecstasy, liquid e, liquid X, soap, scoop, cherry meth, blue nitro.

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What is GHB?
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What is GHB? 

GHB is a common party drug used to induce euphoria or relaxation and reduce inhibitions. GHB is known to be unpredictable and can cause an overdose in small amounts. Recently GHB use has seen a resurgence, particularly among young people at music festivals and raves. It’s commonly used in a subculture of gay or bisexual men who engage in chemsex parties, as well as methamphetamine users as a sleep aid. It has also been used by bodybuilders to enter 'slow-wave sleep' in which growth hormones are secreted.

Immediate effects

  • Euphoria
  • Lowered inhabitations
  • Drowsiness
  • Increased sexual desire
  • Diarrhoea and urinary incontinence
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Irregular or shallow breathing
  • Blackouts and memory loss

Long-term effects

  • Tolerance and dependence

How to reduce harm

  • Always use somewhere safe and around people you trust
  • Always test a small amount first
  • Wait for the effects to wear off before taking more
  • Avoid mixing with other drugs
  • Only use short term as dependence can develop rapidly
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How it works with other drugs
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How it works with other drugs

Mixing GHB with any other drugs, particularly alcohol, increases the risk of overdose.

Physical risks

Compared to other drugs, GHB has a minuscule difference between a dose that delivers the desired high and one that kills.

Another potential effect of GHB is the suppression of the body’s natural gag reflex. This means that if something is blocking your airway whilst you’re unconscious, your body won’t reflexively cough to emit the foreign object that’s stopping your breathing.

GBH users can also enter a state known as 'G-sleep', where they appear to be asleep, yet they are unconscious and at very real risk of choking. When somebody overdoses on GHB, it’s common to start snoring, a sign frequently misinterpreted as 'sleeping it off', when in fact it is the respiratory systems shutting down.

Legal risks

GHB is an illegal substance. If you are caught with GHB, you could be arrested or charged with a criminal offence. GHB is also easy to disguise in a drink and is commonly used to incapacitate potential victims.

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Treatment and support services
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Treatment and support services 

Counselling Online offers free, confidential 24/7 access to trained counsellors who can help you work through your goals and identify services to support you in your area. Have a chat to one of our counsellors if you’re not sure where you’d like to get started. 

For further assistance, check out these services:

If you’re looking for more information about other illicit or prescription drugs, visit the Australian Drug Foundation’s Drug Facts, a comprehensive and straight-forward guide.

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What can I do next?
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What can I do next?

  • Take a self-assessment to help you decide if you should consider seeking help.
  • Get support from others who have been where you are now, in our community forums.
  • Try out some of our tips for making a change — they're simple and suitable no matter your stage in your journey.