GHBPresented by: Matt Lorup, Keith Arline, & Chris Dendler

Overview Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

Party Drug

pleasure enhancer that depresses the central nervous system and induces intoxication. 

Central nervous system (CNS) depressant that was approved by the (FDA) in 2002 for use in the treatment of sleep disorder.

GHB is produced naturally by the body in small amounts but its physiological function is unclear.

In the United States, GHB is produced in laboratories with no guarantee of quality or purity, making its effects less predictable and more difficult to diagnose.

Street Names * Cherry Meth

* Liquid X * Fantasy

* Organic quaalude* Salty water 

* Georgia Home Boy* Scoop

* Great Hormones at Bedtime* Sleep-500

* Grievous Bodily Harm* Soap

* Liquid E* Somatomaz

* Liquid Ecstasy* Vita-G

Appearance

Method of Use: GHB is available as an

odorless, colorless drug that may be combined with alcohol and given to unsuspecting victims prior to sexual assaults.

It is taken orally 

Advantages

Stimulate protein synthesis, aiding in fat reduction and muscle building

Helps in treating pain and improving sleep in patients with fibromyalgia

Improves rapid eye movement sleep to decrease symptoms of narcolepsy

Disadvantages

There are many serious side effects such as headaches, hallucinations, dizziness, confusion, nausea, numbing of legs, memory loss, heart problems, coma, and death

GHB can cause addiction leading to withdrawal symptoms serious enough to hospitalize after long-term use

It can cause seizures in people with epilepsy

Cost and Short-Term effects

The average cost is between $5-$10 per dose which is roughly 1-5 grams

<1 gram can act as a relaxant 1-2 grams causes strong feelings of relaxation

and slowing of heart rate and breathing 2-4 grams makes affects motor and speech

control and a coma like sleep.

Long Term effects

Not many long term effects are known other than dependence and larger doses

Higher dose can lead to coma or death Difficulty thinking, hallucinations, slurred

speech, headaches, and amnesia occur with continued use

Dependence

Withdrawal symptoms can occur within 12 hours of the last dose, and can last for up to 15 days

Symptoms include confusion and agitation, anxiety, paranoia, muscle cramps, hallucinations, and fast heart beat

How Does the Drug Work? It is used as a pleasure enhancer that depresses

the central nervous system and induces intoxication.

Used as a sedative to reduce the effects of stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine, ephedrine) or hallucinogens (LSD, mescaline) and to prevent physical withdrawal symptoms.

Side effects associated with GHB may include nausea, vomiting, delusions, depression, hallucinations, seizures, loss of consciousness, slowed heart rate,

Abuse& Addiction

Can be addictive (Mostly to prescribed users)

Mental dependence Date rape Mostly abused by teens and young adults

The facts: More than 5,800 overdoses were recorded last year with

more than 66 deaths

12th graders had the highest numbers of GHB use last year with 1.2%

In 2008, over 30 million Americans 12 and older used some form of GHB for non-medical reasons

Treatments:

There is no antidote for GHB

May induce vomiting in very serious conditions

Drug abuse treatment centers

References:

https://www.k-state.edu/media/webzine/Didyouhearyes/GHBfacts.html

http://www.drugs.com/ghb.html

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/club-drugs-ghb-ketamine-rohypnol

http://www.diagnose-me.com/treatment/GHB-gamma-hydroxybutyrate.html

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-950-GAMMA-HYDROXYBUTYRATE%20(GHB).aspx?activeIngredientId=950&activeIngredientName=GAMMA-HYDROXYBUTYRATE%20(GHB)

www.treatmentsolutions.com/ghb-addiction-treatment