GHB/GBL (sometimes referred to as just “G”) is a depressant drug, with euphoric, stimulating and sedative effects. You might feel the effects differently to others– a stimulating/euphoric dose for one person can be sedating for another.
Go slow, stay low – there can be as little as 0.1ml difference between feeling the desired effects and unwanted side effects. Never ‘eyeball’ doses - always measure accurately e.g. using a syringe and consider waiting at least 2 hours before redosing. Overdose risk is high and tolerance does not necessarily reduce overdose risk.
Avoid mixing, particularly with other depressant (downer) drugs like alcohol, ketamine, benzodiazepines, heroin or medicines– this dramatically increases risk of overdose, even at low doses and can be fatal.
Image of GBL in plastic bottle with blue lid
Image of 1ml oral syringe
G can lead to dizziness, lowered inhibitions, drowsiness and lack of consciousness which could put you in a more vulnerable state. If using G, stick with people you trust, and let them know what you are planning to take, what it might look like if things go wrong and what to do.
Be aware of the signs of emergency and when to get help. People using G can quickly lose consciousness or have difficulty breathing (look out for a raspy snoring noise).
Put anyone who becomes unconscious (or lies down) in the recovery position and call 999 for an ambulance without delay – don’t worry about getting into trouble. Be honest about what they have taken.
Dependency can build quickly with G in a short period of time. Withdrawal can come on quickly and cause life-threatening symptoms if you stop taking G suddenly.
Symptoms of withdrawal can look like: tremors, excessive sweating, waking multiple times to re-dose, anxiety, agitation, feeling generally unwell/nauseous, seizures.
Additional harm reduction tips:
Always mix your G with liquid to avoid chemical burns. It may be denser than your drink, so be sure to mix it and remember it can settle at the bottom.
Never leave your G unattended and consider adding blue dye to the liquid so it is easily identified to prevent someone else accidentally consuming it.
Write down the time and amount each time you dose on your arm so you or anyone helping you in an emergency knows how many doses you've had and when.
Set on taking GHB or GBL? Keep this harm reduction advice in mind.
#GoSlowStayLow
Always be aware of drug interactions, dosage and remember to pace yourself.
Be aware of the signs of emergency and when to get help.