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Killing me softly? GHB & clubland Reported by Adam Symbiosis / Submitted 09-04-08 14:12 With incidents of usage in clubs and in private homes seemingly again on the rise, we thought it would be important to rerun one of our most read articles. GHB is a challenging substance to take, with unpredictable results due to varying potencies available on the street today. We’re not here to dictate to you what and what not to take. All we want is for you to stay safe and informed. Bottled up and ready to go. You feel happy, sexy, chatty. The world swims around your head, while you swim through it. You’re relaxed and easy. With only a capful to take, isn’t it better then piling through glass after glass of alcohol. And why should you, when it’s so much cheaper and easier and quicker to neck some GHB. However, with a number of recent deaths, it’s become time for people to take notice and get themselves educated to what some people are calling “Liquid Suicide.” Occurring naturally in many parts of your body, from the brain, to the heart, to most muscles, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, or GHB for short, was first synthesized in the 1960s and has been used medically to treat alcoholism and narcolepsy. It has also found use as an anaesthetic, though has to be partnered with other drugs when used in adults. Outside of medical use, GHB has a strong following within bodybuilding circles as it has been reported to aid in muscle building and fat reduction while stimulating growth hormone release. Taken after a workout, the drug helps you to relax and sleep off your excesses while increasing muscle repair efficiency, new muscle only being built while you sleep. On a darker edge, GHB has, along with rohypnol, become well known as a date rape drug. Slipped into someone’s drink, the intended target can be incapacitated easily and to outsiders just look extremely drunk. GHB became a Class C controlled drug in July 2003. This means anyone caught in possession could face a custodial sentence of up to two years, while if you are caught supplying it, which includes sharing or giving to your friends, you could spend anything up to 14 years at Her Majesty’s Pleasure and find yourself having to pay a hefty fine. What I’m concerned with though is its use in clubland. In surveys conducted by the Independent Drug Monitoring Unit (IDMU) it was found that around 3–4% of drug users had tried GHB, with only 10% of those people using it regularly. That seems like an almost unnoticeable amount of users compared with the ‘big’ drugs, cannabis, ecstasy and cocaine. Its reported effects come on 10 to 15 minutes after being taken, either in liquid, capsule or powder form and include, in low doses, feelings of euphoria, a better connection with the music, slight loss of coordination, an increase in sexual appetite and in experience of orgasm. That’s probably why it’s also called liquid ecstasy, its effects also have a close simile with those of alcohol. Some users prefer to take GHB instead as so not to overload their livers with processing excess amounts of alcohol. Higher doses cause disorientation, vomiting and unconsciousness. I spoke to a number of users to gauge their reactions to the drug. Instantly, what struck me was, like most drugs, there are people that use it responsibly, and there are those that abuse it. “If it wasn't for the scum who abused it as a date-rape drug, it would be a top-selling vitamin supplement by now,” one person told me. “It has been of enormous benefit to me personally (I use it for weightlifting training) and I have never had any problems with it.” They also felt it was, “the safest of all euphoric drugs, in terms of having zero negative side-effects if correctly used.” “It’s a lot of the good things about being drunk, with few of the negative aspects,” another user told me, “I liken it to that stage of drunkenness just before you’ve had too much, that glorious ten minute window of perfect intoxication that lasts a lot longer than ten minutes.” Used in conjunction with ecstasy, I’ve been told it enhances the effects, though by itself its also been described as a cleaner ‘e’ feeling. What about if they were to see a friend collapse? “It’s best just to get them into the recovery position and make sure they don’t block their airway. In a club I wouldn’t play hero, I’d call a medic, but the people I’d do it privately with are the sort I’m sure wouldn’t go too far.” Some wise words from my second source who sees stupid people in clubland all the time, people only worthy of his contempt. Additionally after using it for a number of years, my first user commented that since criminalisation it was no harder to obtain as it is relatively easy to make, the precursors being widely available, but “the varied concentrations now available make it extremely dangerous to buy.” Which leads me onto the main problems that come about during use: firstly, overdosing, especially when taking the liquid form. When GHB was freely available, usually under the counter at sex shops, the concentrations already varied between the different bottles with effective doses ranging from a few drops to a tablespoon to a cap full. Mixing GHB with alcohol is the second major problem. Alcohol increases the potency and potentially can make a normal dose an overdose. Through my investigation I have discovered there is a fine line between getting messy and messing yourself up and can be no more than a gram. This isn’t to say you will die if you overdose. In many cases an overdose will put the user into a deep sleep that they cannot be woken from, a GHB coma. Many times they will wake hours later, unsure of what happened, amazed at their surroundings, though no worse for wear. Through personal experience of seeing someone unknowingly drugged, it can worry you no end and can ruin your night, though as I’ve said usually turns out well. Dosages of GHB can be generally broken down like this: Light .5 - 1.5 g Common 1 - 2.5 g Strong 2 - 3.5 g Can Induce Heavy Sleep 3 - 5 g Overdose 5 - 10 g Poisoning (Risk of Death) 10 + g It would be irresponsive of me not to cover the more dangerous aspects of this drug. Though it breaks down in the body very easily and has no toxic by products, metabolizing into CO2 (carbon dioxide) and H2O (water), concentrations do vary widely, therefore you can overdose on quantities from one bottle that would give you a great time on another. Further to this, now GHB has been criminalised, people are increasingly turning to GBL (gamma butyrolactone) or taking GBL in the mistaken idea that it is GHB. GBL, also known as Lactone, is an industrial and household solvent that, when taken, the body breaks down into GHB. Unfortunately it is usually more concentrated than GHB, roughly 1ml = 1.65 grams of GHB, each body will also break it down in different ways and it has some toxic byproducts. Dangerous complications of GHB include convulsions and suppression of the gag reflex, which when combined with its vomiting and its ability to render you unconscious, can lead to you choke on an obstruction like your tongue or on your own vomit. I also can’t stress enough that if you are going to take it, never mix with alcohol. I also spoke to Steve Darragh, director of All Things Orange, the company that runs Fire and The Fridge nightclubs in London. I wanted to know what their position was on GHB. “GHB and GBL and several other names and derivatives it is known by are becoming more and more of a problem to promotions and clubs in general. It is an extremely selfish drug because it affects others around them so much. When a user goes 'under' it causes a strong effect and distress to others. The effects can be extremely unpleasant and involve complete loss of bodily functions and violent uncontrollable spasms. Not a nice sight to see.” As discussed before, it can be just that extra gram that can send you under. You do have to remember also that it is now an illegal substance and to that effect Steve carries on: “We have instructed thorough searches on the door to prevent any containers from entering the building. We have also placed posters prominently around our clubs stating the dangers and consequences of using the drug. Anyone found to be using the drug is banned from our clubs for life.” A harsh take on what is supposedly a minor drug you might think, but Steve tells me that the club licenses are at risk and he believes the scene in London in general is at risk just like in New York. “We operate a strict no GHB policy.” Strong words indeed, but after a number of headlining deaths in America, including one of a 15 year old girl called Samantha Reid, things were looking grim, with clubs closing down all over the place. With full time medics always on duty at every party you might think things would be a lot safer. “It is essential clubbers are educated about the dangers of this drug,” he continues, “We have allocated a large sum of money on an advertising campaign to inform clubbers of the risks. However, it is up to all clubbers to let others know this is not an acceptable drug for clubland.” In fact, the amount is £20,000, a substantial sum of money and it proves they’re serious about stamping its use out. One last question that troubled me though was maybe the high price of drinks were leading people to use GHB/GBL instead. “There is a small percentage of people who will always take stupid risks. The type of hit they want to get is not quenched by alcohol. If alcohol was very cheap in clubs we would have another serious problem on our hands as that is also a very dangerous drug if misused.” We all know though that sometimes people will take substances that are deemed dangerous or even illegal. While in no way condoning the use of an illegal substance, rather than expecting you to “Just say no,” I would want you to make sure you are fully informed of the dangers of what you are taking and inform the people around you of what you are doing and of the effects, especially the stronger ones. Not in a way to make it sound like a boast, but as a harm reduction exercise. In that way if something is to go wrong, the people around you will be prepared. Some points I have picked up include adding a food colouring to what is essentially a colourless, odourless liquid. Try and find out as best you can the concentration of the liquid, which obviously can be difficult in an unregulated market. Again never mix with alcohol and measure your dose carefully. If you feel uncomfortable with all these points at least write GHB or G on your hand to let others know what you have taken if you pass out. Remember everything you do carries some element of risk, be it to your health, liberty or even your life. Always try and reduce that risk to as small a possibility as you can by being as informed and as careful as you can. Adam Symbiosis Bibliography and further reading: www.bluelight.nu and specifically: GHB thread London Toxicology Group and specifically GHB information thesite.org and specifically: GHB and relative risk Independent Drug Monitoring Unit and specifically: GHB information and survey Erowidand specifically: GHB information The Home Office Drugs Information Share this :: : : : Follow HarderFaster :: Other Features By Adam Symbiosis: Godskitchen Xmas Party: Reviewed The Big Chill: Reviewed Tiësto at Victoria Park: Reviewed Lilly Allen: Reviewed Digital Society May 2009: Reviewed The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable. Comments: From: hoki on 16th Feb 2005 22:33.55 nice one bro' :-) From: James Ellis on 16th Feb 2005 23:15.48 As with all drugs, take sensible doses and dont be silly. I 've seen many friends mix GHB with alcohol or other drugs and experience some of the negative after/side effects mentioned here. I took it many times when younger and never had a problem. Just use common sense people - this doent have to turn into a witch hunt you know- All drugs can fuck u up if you arent careful....... "If you get found with GHB we'll bar you and call the police" But not if you are found with pills or speed? hmmm....... From: Captain Moral on 17th Feb 2005 08:07.23 the issue is clearly not the drug itself, but the inability of a few users to control themselves... its articles like these that mean people are educated about something like GHB rather than simply scared. really interesting... From: Dubster on 17th Feb 2005 09:37.47 As someone who knows next to nothing about GHB, I thought that was a fanastically well written, unbiased and informative article. Thanks very much. From: JP and Jukesy on 17th Feb 2005 09:48.01 The best thing for this drug is for it to be made a class a, we had a friend once that used to go under several times in a night and cause major distress to all of us, no matter how much we told him he wouldnt listen. In the end we took a video recorder out and video's his actions, it was a harsh reality for him watching it back and he then stopped doing it, and unfortunatly clubbing. But at least who woke up to what he was doing, most people's problem is when they go under they dont actually remember that bit so they continue to do it, doing what we did was the final option but i would recommend people try it if they are worried about there friends as much as what we were about him. From: Stevie on 17th Feb 2005 11:01.30 A very well written and informative piece mate. It's good to find someone who does their homework, and makes a effort to educate those in clubland to the importance of being responsible for one's own actions. More articles like this are needed! From: blondie on 17th Feb 2005 11:15.00 Very well written. Offered both sides of the story From: Craig Paxton on 17th Feb 2005 11:36.45 Sorry, but it's a drug for mugs and it's going to ruin club-land if idiots don't stop taking it in clubs. By all means, do what you want at home, but please stop bringing this filthy, nasty substance into places where people are trying to ejoy themselves and have fun. From: tidyrichard on 17th Feb 2005 11:37.26 GHB really is like Russian Roulette , I have seen so many of the " It dont ever f**k me up brigade " end up shitting themselves or pissing themselves , usually while trying to wank themseves off , it really is a very selfish drug. From: Norris123 on 17th Feb 2005 11:51.15 Craig if you remember back to 5 years ago, people were saying EXACTLY the same thing about Ketamine. I think it's simple really. People just need to balance the risk they are taking. Is it REALLY worth risking personal injury or death for a couple of hours buzz? I don't think so. From: Nomi Sunrider on 17th Feb 2005 12:59.01 Nice article, well written and informative. I've been a supporter of unbiased drug info for a long time as it is the way forward, but yet I still feel this substance is a no no for clubland. From: Ped on 17th Feb 2005 16:42.23 Excellent article mate. From: John Vol on 17th Feb 2005 17:44.50 Thanks, a well written and informative article with emphasis on the responsibility of the individual; nice one! From: alex_k on 18th Feb 2005 09:03.09 well played. a responsible article. From: Adam Symbiosis on 18th Feb 2005 09:59.50 Thanks for all your comments. I entered into this article knowing next to nothing about GHB. Still I wanted to present as balanced an argument as possible following my research. As an aid to that I'd like to thank my correspondents who were very helpful in giving me full answers to my questions. GHB can be a very potent drug with, as I've tried to demonstrate, a positive side and a negative side, try and make sure you understand the implications of both before use. From: DMX on 18th Feb 2005 12:47.39 Excellent article, mate. I was expecting something damning, but you've offered a truly balanced view. I do find it strange that it's regarded as an offence worth calling the police for, yet Class A drugs are not? You shouldn't use personal preference when talking about the law, especially when it's far less of an offence to have GHB than most other drugs. Those found by the police with cannabis (another Class C drug) simply get a slap on the wrists, so why doesn't this apply to GHB? From: bennett on 18th Feb 2005 17:30.10 there you go ad, i finally read it! well written and very informative. good work pal From: Menthol Taz on 19th Feb 2005 02:28.54 What a fantastic article, very unbiased & informative. Well done! All drugs are dangerous, it's about respect, but more articles like this are needed to educate people of the dangers & pitfalls as well as the highs. From: Paul Reeves on 19th Feb 2005 09:18.37 i use it to make my bum loose for my boyfriend, leroy From: Monkey Monkeyson on 20th Feb 2005 20:49.33 drugs are for mugs From: VinDiesel on 21st Feb 2005 00:50.29 An excellent well written article. This gives a lot of very useful information. From: Mr Ree on 21st Feb 2005 05:02.52 Add your comments here ! Keep it at home kids, please. Over in NZ, the only negative press the dance scene has ever had has been 2 E deaths(from over hydration) and countless monkeys rinsing out every weekend at various clubs in the country from not knowing how to take G properly(if there is such a thing). If you want to risk death, by all means go ahed, but not in a club where all you will achieve is muddying the names of the venue, promoters etc....very very selfish. Take care of your mates From: Yojo - Cyberkitten on 21st Feb 2005 12:00.25 Top article, well researched and insightful. The more informed our clubbing community becomes on drug use and abuse, the better, imo. Nice one. From: ~deleted5662 on 21st Feb 2005 18:34.35 Its drugs like GHB that have induced the 'anti-rave' law in america, whereby anyone caught on drugs in a club can mean the club can lose its licence and be closed down. If people insist on doing this drug please make sure your in as comftable and safe enviroment and dont ruin our clubs with it!! (IMO) From: littlemissgenki on 22nd Feb 2005 02:16.34 Thanks for a well researched and written article Adam! Recent research also highlights the increase in ghb dependence & problems of severe withdrawal. I had no idea that it was so prevailent in the body building world and evidently gyms have suffered similar problems to clubs in this respect... Any research is complicated by GHB analogues and their various concentrations. I've got a fairly open mind to most drugs, but the limited reading i've done on ghb makes me think this one is best avoided. we really need some more research into this 1 so please add your comments here... From: seductivediva on 23rd Feb 2005 18:52.42 great article, very informative, just like to ad that normally (and especially under young teenagers as they don't normally work) people tent to veer towards drugs because of the expensiveness of alcohol... yet, true, if made cheaper it would be highly dangerous if misused... goes both ways then...well done mate From: Sara J on 28th Feb 2005 11:14.23 Cheers for that- great article! Theres a need for more of those! From: SexLoveandMotion on 2nd Mar 2005 13:10.25 Really Good article an well researched. Thank you for informing the young clubbers. Always Take Care of your friends. From: Casin0 on 20th Apr 2006 18:41.17 where the hell do u get them bottles from there funny as hell lol. heaven bottles how micky mouse is that LOL From: STACE on 9th Apr 2008 15:32.34 Awesome article. Well researched with balanced views. From: Getonit on 10th Apr 2008 07:47.29 Personally my opinion this is a drug to completely avoid. Can kill instantly and have had a friend die this week. Seen 2 many people go under. Not worth it in my opinion From: Lucy Fur on 10th Apr 2008 12:16.33 Im guessing that this has been reposted in the light of what has happened this week...and a lot of the above needs to be said. It is something I have never done or would even consider, but I found this read very informative so thank you. From: Hannah Wild on 10th Apr 2008 13:07.01 I think this should stay permo up the top of the features . . . From: fergusonB on 11th Apr 2008 04:43.23 Common sense is NOT to take it! You DON'T need it! From: ravechick on 11th Apr 2008 09:52.51 well done Adam, and the HF crew !! With recent events, it's about time this kind of article was left up for quite a while - this week has been a very, very sad and heart wrenching time for us all, I am glad that the clubbers are being made aware of the dangers....again From: Jennie B on 13th Apr 2008 13:39.12 Thank you for this article. One of the best I have ever seen on HF. I hope that all the people that sit there saying its ok now take not. The high of G is not worth the low! DEATH!!!!!!!! From: nrg hia on 14th Apr 2008 07:20.58 Great article, people should really know what this crap is before thinking in indulging to something like it , I personally got spiked with GHB at one of my events in London and almost died...and Im thankfull to be alive today! really bad memories but happy to be here to share it , thank You Adam From: ck on 26th Apr 2008 19:14.17 nice work Adam Not in my top ten, GHanything. Except maybe Ghandi

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