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GHB, or gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid, is a central nervous system depressant that is sometimes used as a recreational drug, particularly in nightclubs. It is often referred to as liquid ecstasy and can induce feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and sedation. Due to its potential for abuse and harm, GHB has been classified as a Schedule 9 substance in Australia, meaning it is only available for research purposes. Possession, supply, or importation of GHB in Australia is illegal and can result in significant criminal penalties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Illegal |
| Use | Recreational Drug |
| Medical Use | No |
| Classification | Schedule 9 Substance |
| Possession | Illegal, with criminal penalties |
| Supply | Illegal, with criminal penalties |
| Importation | Illegal, with criminal penalties |
| Effects | Euphoria, Relaxation, Sociability, Increased Sex Drive, Memory Lapses, Nausea, Diarrhea, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Clumsiness, Lowered Heart Rate, Lowered Inhibitions, Lowered Temperature, Urinary Incontinence |
| Overdose | Easy to overdose, potentially fatal |
| Withdrawal | Serious and potentially life-threatening |
| Dependence | High risk of dependence |
| Treatment | Speak to a doctor or health professional |
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What You'll Learn
GHB is a central nervous system depressant
GHB, or gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid, is a central nervous system depressant. This means that it slows down brain activity, inducing feelings of relaxation, drowsiness, and euphoria. GHB is often used as a recreational drug, particularly in nightclubs and party settings. It is also known as "liquid ecstasy", although it is not chemically related to ecstasy.
As a central nervous system depressant, GHB slows down messages travelling between the brain and the body. This can lead to feelings of confusion, dizziness, and an abrupt loss of consciousness. GHB also increases the risk of injury and can cause clumsiness, diarrhoea, headaches, lowered inhibitions, memory lapses, nausea, and urinary incontinence.
The effects of GHB typically begin within 15 to 20 minutes of taking the drug and can last around three to four hours. However, symptoms can start as early as 6 to 72 hours after the last dose and can last for 5 to 15 days. It is very easy to overdose on GHB, especially when it is combined with other drugs such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or ketamine. Even a small increase in dose can cause serious effects or death.
GHB is highly regulated in Australia, and its possession, supply, or importation is illegal and can result in criminal penalties. GHB is classified as a Schedule 9 substance under the Federal Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons, meaning it is only available for research purposes. The unauthorised sale or supply of GHB constitutes a serious criminal offence in all Australian states and territories.
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GHB is a party drug often used in drink spiking
GHB is a central nervous system depressant that produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, sociability, and an increased urge for sex. It is a colourless and odourless liquid that is often used as a party drug. GHB is known to pose a risk for dependence, and people who regularly use it can quickly develop a tolerance, leading to psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it.
GHB is particularly dangerous when mixed with alcohol, as it can lead to nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness, and even death. Even small amounts can cause an overdose, and it is often used in drink spiking due to its undetectable nature. It is linked to date rape and sexual assaults as it can easily be slipped into someone's drink without their knowledge, and it causes the victim to be unable to remember what happened while they were affected.
GHB is a popular party drug among club-goers and at "rave" parties, and it is sometimes called ""liquid ecstasy"" due to its ability to induce a euphoric high and hallucinations. However, it is important to note that GHB is not chemically related to the drug ecstasy (MDMA). The effects of GHB start within 5 to 20 minutes of ingestion and can last for up to 4 hours.
In Australia, GHB is classified as a Schedule 9 substance under the Federal Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons, meaning it is only available for research purposes. The possession, supply, or importation of GHB in Australia is illegal and can result in criminal penalties. This is due to the drug's narrow safety margin, overdose risks, and links to sexual assault.
If you suspect someone has overdosed on GHB, it is important to call an ambulance immediately by dialling triple zero (000) in Australia. Ambulance officers can provide assistance without involving the police, and a quick response can save the person's life.
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GHB is linked to date rape and sexual assault
GHB is a central nervous system depressant that induces relaxation, euphoria, and sometimes sedation. It is often referred to as a "date rape drug" due to its association with drug-facilitated sexual assaults. GHB is colourless and odourless, making it difficult to detect when slipped into someone's drink. It can cause memory loss, making it difficult for victims to remember what happened during the assault.
GHB has been linked to several high-profile cases of sexual assault and murder, including the conviction of Reynhard Sinaga for 159 sex offences and the conviction of serial killer Stephen Port, who poisoned four young men with lethal doses of the drug. In a survey of 2,700 gay and bisexual men, 28% reported that they had been assaulted while under the influence of GHB.
The effects of GHB can be enhanced when mixed with alcohol, making it even more dangerous. Alcohol is already linked to a high number of sexual assaults, with research showing that up to 3 out of 4 attackers had been drinking when they sexually assaulted someone. Combining GHB with alcohol can lead to nausea, vomiting, and unconsciousness, even at low doses.
GHB is a dangerous and illegal drug in Australia, classified as a Schedule 9 substance under the Federal Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons. The possession, supply, or importation of GHB in Australia can result in significant criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
While GHB has been linked to date rape and sexual assault, it is important to note that it is also used recreationally and consensually, particularly within the gay community during chemsex. However, due to its potential for abuse and its association with sexual assaults, GHB is considered a concerning drug that requires strict regulation and education to prevent its misuse.
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GHB is highly addictive and dangerous
GHB is a central nervous system depressant that produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, sociability, and an increased urge for sex. It is a synthetic drug often used recreationally in clubs and parties. However, GHB is highly addictive and dangerous, and its abuse can lead to severe health problems and even death.
GHB is highly addictive due to the rapid onset of its effects and the intense high it produces. Users may quickly develop a tolerance to the drug, leading to physical and psychological dependence. They may then experience withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, anxiety, insomnia, and seizures when attempting to quit. The development of tolerance and severe withdrawal symptoms contributes to the drug's addictive nature, making it challenging for individuals to stop using it.
GHB is also dangerous because even a small increase in dose can cause serious effects or death. The "safe" range of the dose is very small, and it is easy to overdose on GHB, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs. Overdose can lead to nausea, vomiting, and unconsciousness, and even death. Additionally, GHB has been linked to date rape and sexual assaults as it is often used to spike drinks due to its colourless and odourless nature.
The chronic use of GHB can also lead to various health issues such as hallucinations, confusion, violent outbursts, and depression. It can negatively impact the brain's ability to produce dopamine naturally, resulting in lower natural dopamine levels and cognitive changes. This can further contribute to feelings of depression and hopelessness during withdrawal.
Furthermore, GHB abuse can lead to significant problems controlling its use, with individuals continuing to use the drug despite experiencing negative consequences. It can also increase risky behaviours, such as giving up important activities, spending excessive time using or recovering from the drug, and using it in dangerous situations. The addictive nature of GHB and the severe health risks associated with its use highlight the importance of seeking professional help when attempting to quit.
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GHB possession, supply or importation carries heavy penalties in Australia
GHB, or gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid, is a central nervous system depressant that induces relaxation, euphoria, and sometimes sedation in users. It is a dangerous and illegal party drug that is often used in drink spiking and date rape scenarios due to its colourless and odourless nature.
In Australia, GHB is classified as a Schedule 9 substance under the Federal Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons, meaning it is only available for research purposes. The possession, supply, or importation of GHB in Australia is strictly prohibited and carries heavy criminal penalties in all States and Territories.
Under the NSW Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985, GHB is classified as a prohibited drug. Possession of GHB is punishable by a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and/or a fine of $2,200. Similar offences apply across Australia, with slight variations in penalties depending on the State or Territory.
The unauthorised sale or supply of GHB is a serious criminal offence nationwide. GHB is considered a "border-controlled drug" under the Criminal Code Act 1995, which means that its importation is heavily regulated. Import offences are determined based on the quantity imported, with maximum penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment for importing less than a marketable quantity (2 grams) of GHB.
The dangers of GHB are significant, with a very small difference between the amount taken to produce the desired effect and the amount that results in an overdose. GHB also poses a high risk of dependence, with users developing tolerance and requiring larger doses over time. Withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening, and mixing GHB with other drugs can lead to unpredictable and harmful effects.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, GHB is illegal in Australia. It is classified as a Schedule 9 substance, meaning it is only available to be used for research purposes. The possession, supply, or importation of GHB could result in criminal penalties.
GHB is a central nervous system depressant that induces relaxation, euphoria, and sometimes sedation. It is often used in drink spiking as it can't be easily detected. It is known as a "date rape" drug.
GHB has a very narrow safety margin and a high risk of overdose, even with small amounts. It is very addictive, and withdrawal can be life-threatening. Combining GHB with alcohol or other drugs can lead to nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness, and even death.
