GHB drug treatment

Although alcohol remains the primary "social lubricant," it has been joined by many newer psychoactive drugs that are used to intensify social experiences. Club drugs are substances commonly used in nightclubs and rave dance parties to enhance social intimacy and sensory stimulation. Among them, there is Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a powerful, rapidly acting central nervous system depressant, used both as a sleep-aid and as a recreational intoxicant.

GHB is also a putative derivative of the inhibitory neurotransmitter g-aminobutyric acid and occurs naturally in the central nervous system, where it is believed to mediate sleep cycles, body temperature, cerebral glucose metabolism and memory.The synthetic form of Gamma hydroxybutyrate contains some of the same ingredients as floor stripper and industrial cleaners. Among its effects it is known the ability to induce a short (several hour) coma-like sleep at high doses.

GHB was first synthesized in the 1920s and was under development as an anesthetic agent in the 1960s. GHB was sold in health food stores as a performance enhancing additive in bodybuilding formulas until the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned it in 1990. It is currently marketed in some European countries as an adjunct to anesthesia. Gamma hydroxybutyrate is abused as a growth hormone that releases agents to stimulate muscle growth.

GHB is usually taken orally. It is sold as a light-colored powder that easily dissolves in liquids or as a pure liquid packaged in vials or small bottles. In liquid form, it is clear, colorless, odorless, with a slightly salty taste but almost undetectable when mixed in a drink. GHB is typically consumed by the capful or teaspoonful at a cost of $5 to $10 per dose. The average dose is 1 to 5 grams and takes effect in 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the dosage and purity of the drug. Its effects last from 3 to 6 hours.

Consumption of less than 1 gram of GHB acts as a relaxant, causing a loss of muscle tone and reduced inhibitions. Consumption of 1 to 2 grams causes a strong feeling of relaxation and slows the heart rate, blood pressure and respiration. At this dosage level, GHB also interferes with blood circulation, motor coordination and balance. In stronger doses, 2 to 4 grams, pronounced interference with motor and speech control occurs. A coma-like sleep may be induced, requiring intubation to wake the user. When mixed with alcohol, the depressant effects of GHB are enhanced. This can lead to respiratory depression, unconsciousness and coma in overdose. Side effects associated with GHB may include nausea, vomiting, delusions, depression, vertigo, hallucinations, aggressive behavior and seizures.

GHB can become addictive with sustained use. Patients with a history of around-the-clock use of GHB (every 2 to 4 hours) exhibit withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, insomnia, tremor and episodes of tachycardia (abnormally fast heart rates) which may progress to delirium, agitation or treatment-resistant psychoses. Because GHB has a short duration of action and quickly leaves the user's system, withdrawal symptoms may occur within 1 to 6 hours of the last dose. These symptoms may last for many months.

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GHB drug treatment

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