By We Level Up | Author Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

GHB (gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid) is a central nervous system depressant. It’s a synthetic drug that comes in liquid or powder form. GHB acts on the brain to cause sedation, disinhibition, and memory loss. GHB is often used recreationally but it also is sometimes used for sexual assault.

GHB can be very dangerous, especially when mixed with alcohol or other drugs. In this article, we’ll go over what you need to know about GHB, including what it is and what to do if you think you may have ingested it.

Key Takeaways

• GHB is a central nervous system depressant that can cause euphoria, drowsiness, confusion, and memory loss, with risks of respiratory depression, coma, and death at higher doses.
• GHB is commonly abused as a recreational “club drug” and has been used as a “date rape drug” because of its ability to sedate and incapacitate victims.
• Combining GHB with alcohol or other drugs greatly increases the risks of dangerous side effects, overdose, and death.
• If you think you have ingested GHB, seek medical attention immediately.

GHB Legal Status

GHB is a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. That means it’s illegal to manufacture, buy, possess, or distribute it without a DEA license. Penalties for illegal GHB activities are severe. 

However, there is an FDA-approved prescription medication Xyrem (sodium oxybate), which is classified as Schedule III. Xyrem is the sodium salt of GHB that is converted into GHB in the body after taking the medication.

Xyrem treats cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in people living with narcolepsy. It’s a highly regulated drug. Prescribers and pharmacies must enroll in a special REMS program. People are carefully monitored.

GHB and Alcohol

Combining GHB with alcohol makes GHB far more dangerous and is a contributor to the majority of cases of death from GHB toxicity. Both substances are central nervous system depressants. Using them together compounds their effects.

The GHB-alcohol combination can quickly lead to severe drowsiness, respiratory depression, and loss of consciousness. You may black out and have no memory of what happened. This puts you at risk of accidents, injuries, and sexual assault.

To stay safe, don’t accept drinks from strangers. Immediately seek emergency medical care if you suspect GHB overdose. Do not use GHB, and if you do, never mix it with alcohol.

GHB Overdose

GHB overdose can be life-threatening. It can cause severe respiratory depression, unconsciousness, coma, and death. The risk of GHB overdose is much higher when combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants.

Signs and symptoms of GHB overdose include:

• Severe drowsiness or unconsciousness
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Vomiting
• Slow heart rate
• Changes in body temperature
• Coma

If you suspect a GHB overdose, call 911 immediately. Quick medical intervention is critical. While waiting for help, place the person on their side to prevent choking on vomit. Stay with them and monitor their breathing. If they stop breathing, perform CPR if trained.

The best way to prevent GHB overdose is to avoid using it altogether. If you or someone you know struggles with GHB abuse, seek professional help. With a comprehensive addiction treatment program it is possible to recover.

Sodium Oxybate (Xyrem, Lumryz) Fact Sheet

Sodium oxybate is a prescription medication used to treat narcolepsy. It comes as an oral packet and an oral solution.

Is GHB Addictive?

Yes. Due to GHB’s addictive nature, dependence may arise quickly. Dependence results in GHB withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe and even fatal, when a person stops using.

The pharmaceutical-grade GHB drug is a prescribed and tightly controlled medicine to treat narcolepsy or another illness, but it can be abused like any other illicit drug. The illicit and pharmaceutical GHB’s long-term effects can be lethal, but before that, there are some signs to identify someone using GHB drugs.

• Taking more than prescribed or using illegal prescriptions to access GHB when it isn’t needed is also considered drug abuse and an addiction to GHB.
• GHB brings on both hallucinations and a tremendous surge of pleasant feelings.
• Drowsiness, wooziness, nausea, vomiting, and visual abnormalities are among the adverse effects of GHB use.
• GHB users risk losing consciousness (passing out), ceasing to breathe, and entering a coma.

Other Side Effects of GHB Drug Addiction

Why Is It Called GHB Date Rape Drug?

GHB gained some notoriety in the media due to its sedative and amnesic effects, which can impair a person’s consciousness, memory, and ability to resist or recall events. This raised concerns about its potential for misuse in situations where someone could administer it to another person without their consent, leading to sexual assault.

How Are GHB Drugs Abused?

GHB and its analogs are abused due to their euphoric and soothing effects and because some think they help grow muscles and shed pounds.

In the 1990s, GHB abuse spread among young adults in dance clubs and “raves” and earned popularity as a drug used in date rape. GHB may be consumed singly or in combination with other substances, including alcohol (most frequently), other sedatives, stimulants, hallucinogens, and marijuana.

The typical dose is between 1 and 5 grams, which can be as little as 1-2 tablespoons dissolved in a beverage, depending on the compound’s purity. The concentrations of these “home brews,” however, have varied so widely that consumers frequently are not aware of the precise dose they are consuming.

Who Uses Illicit GHB Drugs?

GHB is known among bodybuilders; this demographic group abuse GHB because this substance has been demonstrated to elevate human growth hormones. The rave scene also significantly influences people between 18 and 22 to take this psychoactive drug. However, small doses act more like a stimulant or aphrodisiac, but that is the tricky part with GHB abuse.

Most users are young people who can be involved quickly in GHB abuse, combining this drug with alcohol, and do not realize how addictive it can be.

What Is GHB Drug Made From?

Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a synthetic compound that is not found naturally in significant quantities in the human body. It is typically produced through chemical synthesis in laboratory settings. The primary precursor for GHB synthesis is gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), which can be converted to GHB through a chemical reaction.

GBL is a common precursor chemical used in various industrial applications. GHB can also be produced in illicit settings using other chemicals, such as gamma-valerolactone (GVL). And by mixing sodium hydroxide (lye) with gamma-butyrolactone (GBL). The production and distribution of GHB outside of regulated pharmaceutical use is illegal in most countries due to its potential for drug addiction.

GHB Drug Statistics

While GHB is not as widely discussed as other substances, it has been associated with illicit recreational use, particularly in party or club scenes. GHB-related issues, such as overdose or drug-facilitated sexual assault, have been reported.

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Does GHB Show In Drug Test?

A competent laboratory with the necessary licensing and GHB testing expertise should conduct a drug test for GHB. It should contain both preliminary screening and confirmation tests. No instant, fast, or point-of-collection (POCT) test products are available for drug test GHB analysis.

Therefore, the recommended practice for gamma-hydroxybutyrate testing is always lab testing. GHB does not stay in each user’s system at the same time. The substance’s potency, frequency of usage, and body weight are all considerations. Below is only a general guideline:

• Urine should be collected for a urine test 24 to 48 hours following intake.
• A GHB hair test might be a better choice. Hair shouldn’t be gathered until 14–30 days after the incident.
• GHB use can be traced back to 90 days using a hair drug test.

Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid Test

A gamma-hydroxybutyric acid test is a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of GHB or its metabolites in the body. This test is commonly conducted in situations such as suspected drug intoxication, drug-facilitated sexual assault cases, or monitoring individuals with GHB misuse or addiction.

The test can be performed using various biological samples, including blood, urine, or hair, and it typically relies on specialized laboratory techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for accurate detection and quantification of GHB or its metabolites.

Does GHB show on a drug test? Yes. It is essential to quit using GHB if you want to know how to pass a drug test for the substance. After a night out, people frequently wake up with little recollection of the previous night’s activities. To determine whether you were under the influence of drugs the last night, a GHB drug test is frequently requested.

Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate Urine Test

The test is conducted by collecting a urine sample from the individual and analyzing it in a laboratory using techniques such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) or immunoassay. The results of a GHB urine test can provide valuable information about recent GHB use and assist in medical treatment, legal proceedings, or investigations.

Long-Term GHB Drug Effects

Long-term use of GHB can have various effects on the body and brain. Prolonged and excessive GHB use may lead to physical dependence, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.

Symptoms of GHB Drug Overdose

GHB overdose can occur when an individual consumes a higher dose than their body can tolerate. Symptoms of GHB overdose can include:

Immediate medical attention is essential in cases of suspected GHB overdose.

Chronic GHB use has been associated with cognitive impairments, including memory problems and difficulties with attention and concentration. Long-term GHB use can also affect the cardiovascular system, liver, and kidneys, potentially leading to organ damage or dysfunction. It is essential to seek medical help and support to address any long-term effects of GHB use.

Where Can I Find Help, GHB Addiction Treatment and Support?

Seeking help is a crucial and courageous step toward recovery. It is advisable to consult with addiction treatment professionals who can assess your specific needs and guide you toward appropriate resources and treatment options.

Research and locate addiction treatment centers or programs specializing in substance abuse and addiction. These facilities offer various treatment options, including detoxification, inpatient or residential rehabilitation, counseling, and support groups.

Contacting an accredited addiction treatment center or a licensed healthcare professional, such as a primary care physician or addiction specialist, is a crucial first step. They can assess your situation, provide guidance, and refer you to appropriate treatment options. Contact us today at We Level Up to get started and for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about GHB.

Substance Abuse Treatment Criteria. How to Get a Free Substance Abuse Evaluation? Hotline & Resources.

Seeking treatment for GHB drug abuse is essential to address the physical and psychological effects of the substance. Start by contacting healthcare professionals or addiction specialists specializing in substance abuse treatment. They can provide a comprehensive assessment, develop an individualized treatment plan, and guide you through evidence-based therapies, counseling, and support services to overcome GHB drug abuse and achieve long-term recovery.

Make this your opportunity to improve your life. Call today and speak with one of our substance abuse advisors. Free substance abuse consultation hotline at (561) 678 0917.