What is GHB( Date Rape Drug)

Gamma hydroxyl butyrate, commonly referred to as GHB, is a central nervous system depressant that is naturally manufactured by the body to assist with normal metabolism. A common degreasing solvent, GHB is sometimes marketed as a vitamin supplement and amino acid and is popular with some body builders and weight lifters who mistakenly believe it to be a helpful anabolic agent. In reality, GHB has no medicinal value. Its lab-created form is devastatingly unsafe and when ingested in drug form either as a clear liquid, white powder or as a capsule, it is primarily for the sole purpose of getting "high" (a feeling of euphoria).

Bearing street names such as:"Liquid Ecstasy," "Scoop," "Easy Lay," "Grievous Bodily Harm," or "Goop," GHB causes sedation. In high doses, GHB slows down breathing and decreases an individual's heart rate to potentially dangerously low levels.

Because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless, GHB has been used as a date rape or party drug as it can easily be slipped into drinks and ingested without the victim's knowledge. Depending on amounts ingested, GHB can render its victim helpless resulting in significant memory loss which further inhibits identification and subsequent arrest of those responsible for the crime.

GHB is in the same league as other dangerous party drugs such as methamphetamine, Rohypnol, Ecstasy and cocaine. Noteworthy are the increasing cases reported of death of minors from GHB overdose.

Effects of GHB use

Sold by the capful, GHB's stimulating effects occur within minutes following ingestion and these include muscle relaxation; feeling energized; state of joy and contentment, desire to socialize, enhanced sexual desire and experience. It is more common for GHB to have adverse reactions including:

• Drowsiness, dizziness and amnesia
• Nausea, vomiting and loss of gag reflex
• Troubled breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Incoherent speech
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures
• Hypothermia
• Coma

Due to its popularity as a party drug, GHB has become easily accessible in America and can even be produced in home "laboratories." GHB use and abuse has also been known to result in fatalities. GHB is nothing to fool around with.

GHB Withdrawal and treatment

If you or someone you know is experimenting with GHB, it is advisable to call a doctor. Admission to a drug and alcohol treatment center is further suggested so that the person can not only detoxify from the drug and be under constant medical supervision but also to explore the reasons they are using the drug and find ways and means to cease future use.

Treatment for GHB dependency and abuse can only happen effectively through a drug detoxification program. This should be followed by admission into a drug and alcohol treatment center. It is equally important that a full report on the medical history of a patient be provided for the attending physicians to ensure full recovery.

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