Ghb what is it

It is known as a designer drug because it is made usually in home basement labs for the purposes of getting high. Like Ecstasy, GHB is popular with club-goers and those who go to "rave" parties, including teens and young adults.

When mixed with alcohol, it has a depressant effect that can cause someone to black out. This is why GHB is often called the date rape drug. GHB causes both a euphoric high intense rush of happy feelings and hallucinations. Read more about overdose. Long-term effects There is limited information about the impact of long-term GHB use on people's health.

While the main long-term risk is dependence, other reported long-term effects include: severe memory problems heart disease hallucinations extreme anxiety 4, 5 breathing problems.

Path2Help Not sure what you are looking for? Find out more. Withdrawal Giving up GHB after using it for a long time is challenging because the body has to get used to functioning without it.

These symptoms can include: confusion and agitation anxiety and panic rapid heart rate tremor vomiting paranoia visual and auditory hallucinations delirium. Recent use of GHB by people aged 14 or older is very low. Australians first try GHB in their mid-twenties. A primer of drug action. New York: Worth Publishing; Darke S, Lappin, J. The Clinician's Guide to Illicit Drugs. United Kingdom: Silverback Publishing [ Government of Canada. GHB : Canada. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:.

Asking for help when you first suspect you have an alcohol or drug problem is important. If you think you have an addiction, speak to your local doctor or phone DirectLine.

The size of a standard drink can vary according to the type of alcohol. Amphetamines are psychostimulant drugs that speed up the workings of the brain. Prolonged misuse of steroids can cause liver damage and severe mood swings. Benzodiazepines tranquillisers are highly addictive and should only be used for certain conditions in a short-term or emergency situation.

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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Home Drugs. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. GHB comes in a few forms including: a colourless, odourless, bitter or salty-tasting liquid — sold in small bottles or vials a coloured liquid crystals or powder this is less common.

In moderate amounts, GHB can produce feelings of: relaxation drowsiness sociability euphoria lack of inhibition an increased urge for sex heightened sensitivity to touch.

High dose effects of GHB High doses of GHB can result in: dizziness vomiting tremors tunnel vision loss of coordination ataxia confusion, irritation and agitation hallucinations blackouts and memory lapses seizures coma respiratory arrest stopping breathing and death.

Damage caused by long-term GHB use The long-term effects of GHB are still unclear, but the drug is known to pose a risk for dependence. Signs of overdose include that the person: appears to be asleep but cannot be woken is incoherent, sweating profusely, vomiting and has irregular or shallow breathing is not able to stand, has involuntary muscle contractions or both.

In an emergency, call for help If someone you are with overdoses, or has an adverse reaction while using GHB, dial triple zero to call an ambulance immediately. Help available for GHB dependence Treatment options for drug addiction include detoxification, individual counselling and group therapy.

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