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FACTS ABOUT GHB

1. GHB stands for gamma-hydroxybutyrate. It is a rapid acting depressant drug which comes in liquid, powder or capsule. It has a slightly salty taste that is hard to recognize when added to an alcoholic or soft drink.
2. GHB is usually a “club drug” but is also a “date rape” drug because it causes amnesia within 10 to 20 minutes after taking a sufficient amount.
3. One to two grams causes euphoria (feeling of pleasure) and two to four grams produces intoxication and often hallucinations. Like alcohol the degree of intoxication varies with the size, tolerance and genetics of the taker.
4. It is addictive with sustained use and therefore has an unpleasant and potentially dangerous withdrawal.
5. Withdrawal may start within one to six hours of the last dose in the addicted person.
6. The symptoms of withdrawal are anxiety, agitation, shaking, muscle cramps, sweating, and nausea and insomnia. In severe cases the symptoms may progress to delirium. Medical care is needed in severe cases.
7. When used as a “date rape” drug, the victim awakens hours later with no memory of the event. This makes legal recourse very difficult.
8. It is illegal for anyone to manufacture or sell GHB in the U.S. It is made in secret laboratories and is likely to be impure and of poor quality.
9. When the victim is very sleepy, medical care is necessary to prevent death by overdose.