GHB and GBL are depressant drugs either available as powder or capsules intended for dilution or as a colourless liquid. These are usually diluted in very small measured quantities into a drink such as orange juice or squash.
GHB and GBL are not the same thing.
GBL is converted by your body into GHB. It’s important to understand the difference as it affects how you dose the drug.
GBL is the most commonly used form, and the one you are most likely to find available on the internet. It is often sold as an industrial strength liquid cleaning solvent, clear in colour with a chemical scent and taste. Concentrations of GBL bought on the internet rarely vary enough to cause concern for dosing as it is usually pre-mixed. However, as GBL is converted into GHB in the body, it is approximately 2-3 stronger than GHB, and the effects can come on more suddenly.
GHB is less commonly available than GBL. It can be sold as a powder to mix with water or in capsules. Pre-mixed GHB is often called liquid GHB. The concentration of the drug in liquid GHB can vary enormously, which can be very dangerousBecause of these potential differences it is also important to know if you are taking GBL or GHB, and if using GHB, to carefully check the concentration with your source before calculating your dosage.
At low doses, people feel relaxed, euphoric and more sensual and social than before.
It can heighten your sex drive and release your inhibitions around sex.
At higher doses, you can experience dizziness, nausea and confusion.
Too high a dose can cause you to enter an unconscious state, commonly called ‘going under’. This can put your health at risk, and can also increase vulnerability around unwanted sexual experiences, including sexual assault or sexual trauma.
There is a very small quantity difference between a low dose and a high dose of G, and this varies from person to person. As such, it is very easy to accidentally take too much and ‘go under’.
Going under is a medical emergency and if a person is unresponsive from taking too much G, you should always call an ambulance, there is a small chance a person could die while in this state.
Severe withdrawal symptoms include delirium, paranoia, aggression and hallucinations.
This can cause people to continue dosing with G throughout the night in order to stave off these symptoms.
These are usually signs of G dependency.
G dependency is a medical emergency which requires medical detox at an A&E department. It is important that you do not stop using G if you experience withdrawal symptoms as this can also cause exacerbation of the symptoms or even death.
Always measure out your own dose, never allow another person to do so as they could easily give you too much. A commonly used dose would be between 0.5ml – 1ml.
Never dose again within the same 2 hour period, set alarms or a timer and buddy up with a trusted friend to avoid taking too much over a prolonged period of time.
Use a measured dropper bottle or syringe to measure your doses. Never just pour it casually into a cup, never drink from the bottle or someone else’s drink.
Avoid mixing with alcohol or ketamine as this increases your chance of ‘going under’.
If you use GHB or GBL over a long weekend you may feel anxious, sweaty, shaky or unable to sleep the week after. These are the first signs of dependence and addiction. Resist the urge to take more GHB or GBL and try to ride out these early signs with rest and stress-free activities.
