GHB & GBL
Closely related drugs with similar sedative and anaesthetic effects. When consumed, GBL is converted into GHB in the body
Also called:
- 1
- 4-Bd
- Gbh
- Gbl
- Geebs
- Liquid Ecstasy
What does it look like?
GHB (gammahydroxybutrate) and GBL (gammabutyrolactone) look identical.
They are sold as:
- colourless oily liquids
- capsules, but this is rare
- as powder or paste, but this is also rare
GHB has a medical use in the treatment of narcolepsy, and GBL is used in stain remover, rust remover, superglue remover, as an alloy cleaner and as a paint stripper.
What does it taste/smell like?
- GHB has almost no smell and a salty/soapy taste.
- GBL has a very strong chemical taste and smell.
It's very easy to overdose on GHB and GBL. This is because there's only a very small difference between the dose causing the desired effects and the dose leading to severe overdose.
Experienced users measure the drug out very carefully using a pipette or a syringe, or by filling pre-measured vials (small bottles) to avoid taking too much. If you don’t measure the dosage, you’re likely to overdose and fall unconscious.
Orally
Drinking GHB or GBL on its own would lead to chemical burns in your mouth and throat. Because of this, people take GHB and GBL orally by using a pipette, syringe or pre-measured vial to measure the dose and then mix it into a soft drink.
Injecting
You can’t inject GBL, but some people inject GHB – although this is rare and particularly dangerous.
Snorting
You can’t snort GBL (as it’s a liquid), but some people snort GHB powder, but this is also very rare.
How does it make you feel?
GHB and GBL both produce the same effects, which can be similar to the effects produced by alcohol.
GHB and GBL can make you feel:
- euphoric
- drowsy
- relaxed
- turned on/sexy
How does it make people behave?
GHB and GBL can reduce people’s inhibitions, and some people take the drugs to have more intense sex.
How long the effects last and the drug stays in your system depends on how much you’ve taken, your size and what other drugs you may have also taken.
To kick in
It can take from 10 minutes to an hour for GHB or GBL to take effect. You should always wait for at least two hours before taking another dose. Overdosing on GHB and GBL is very easy to do.
How long it lasts
The effects can last for seveal hours.
How long will it be detectable?
How long a drug can be detected for depends on how much is taken and which testing kit is used. This is only a general guide.
GHB and GBL will typically show up in a urine sample for 24 hours afterwards.
How long a drug can be detected for depends on how much is taken and which testing kit is used. This is only a general guide.
Physical health risks
- It’s very easy to overdose on GHB and GBL. Overdosing can lead to unconsciousness, coma and death.
- Because GHB and GBL can make people pass out easily, they've been linked to rape and other sexual assaults.
- If not diluted properly, GHB and GBL can burn the mouth and throat when swallowed.
Mental health risks
GHB and GBL can result in short term confusion and disorientation. We don’t yet know what the effects are on the brain from taking these drugs repeatedly.
What is GHB & GBL cut with?
The strength of GHB and GBL varies from bottle to bottle. At present, there is little reliable evidence to determine the purity of GBL.
Is it dangerous to mix with other drugs?
Mixing drugs is always risky but some mixtures are more dangerous than others.
What happens if I mix GHB & GBL and
Can you get addicted?
Yes, people who take GHB or GBL regularly can develop a dependence on the drug. People have reported the following withdrawal symptoms: confusion, shaking, epileptic seizure and coma.
These withdrawal symptoms are especially likely if the user runs out of the drug and has to suddenly stop taking it.
Class: B
This is a Class B drug, which means it’s illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell.
Possession can get you up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
Supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
Like drink-driving, driving when high is dangerous and illegal. If you’re caught driving under the influence, you may receive a heavy fine, driving ban, or prison sentence.
If the police catch people supplying illegal drugs in a home, club, bar or hostel, they can potentially prosecute the landlord, club owner or any other person concerned in the management of the premises.
Additional law details
GBL is available for legitimate use in industry, but if someone supplies or possesses it knowing or believing that it will be swallowed and ingested, they are committing an offence.
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 states that it is an offence to administer a substance, like GHB and GBL, to a person with intent to overpower that person to enable sexual activity with them. This is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.
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Help and advice
What to do in an emergency
If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or drinking, call 999 for an ambulance. Tell the crew everything you know. It could save their life.
What else to do in an emergency