Overview of Various Other Illicit Drugs : Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB)

History, Pharmacology, and Prevalence
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History, Pharmacology, and Prevalence
Overview of Various Other Illicit Drugs: Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB)

GHB is a central nervous system depressant that can be found as an odorless, colorless liquid or as a white powder material. It is most commonly used by teens and young adults at dance clubs and raves for its euphoric and sedative effects. Body builders also use GHB for its anabolic effects. The drug is typically consumed mixed with alcohol as a liquid mixture.[1,2]

GHB is often used to facilitate sexual assaults since it makes the victim incapable of resisting and can cause memory problems making it difficult to build a prosecution case.[1]

Consumption of lower doses of GHB can cause [1]:

Drowsiness
Dizziness
Nausea
Visual disturbances

Consumption of higher doses of GHB can cause [1]:

Unconsciousness
Seizures
Severe respiratory depression
Coma

Street names for GHB include “G,” liquid ecstasy, liquid X, home boy, and fantasy.

References

(1) Drug Enforcement Agency. GHB. Web 2007Available from: URL: http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/ghb_factsheet.html
(2) NIDA. Rohypnol and GHB. Rockville, MD; 2007 Jun.

History, Pharmacology, and Prevalence Overview of Various Other Illicit Drugs: Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB)

References

Illustrations

History, Pharmacology, and Prevalence
Overview of Various Other Illicit Drugs: Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB)