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Questions & Answers About The Drug GHB

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 11, 2007

What is GHB?

Commonly known as the 'date rape drug,' gamma-hydroxybutyrate is a highly addictive sedative and depressant with dangerous side effects. According to David Myers, an addiction treatment specialist in Tampa, GHB has been used by athletes for the relaxation it produces. Some athletes also think it helps build muscle and enhances workouts, but researchers say that's false.

'It doesn't take much use to get hooked on it,' Myers said. 'It looks very innocent - it's odorless, colorless, and hard to detect. It produces a sensation similar to drinking alcohol.'

What does it look like?

It can be taken either as a pill or liquid. In powder form, it can be mixed with other liquids. Alcohol magnifies the effects.

What are the dangers?

GHB has high potential for abuse. It can produce hallucinations, psychosis, depression, seizures, loss of consciousness and even a coma. Users can experience a loss of motor skills and speech difficulties.

Once addicted, a user would find it increasingly difficult to sleep and likely would have to take increasingly large doses of the drug, increasing the danger of psychosis and other major health problems.

Does it have any medical use?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2002 approved GHB, manufactured under the brand name Xyrem, as a treatment for cataplexy, a rare form of the sleep disorder narcolepsy.

What would withdrawal be like?

According to Myers, 'The detox on this drug is harsh and dangerous. It has to be handled by someone familiar with this drug. Once they become addicted to this drug, their brain changes to the point where they could be become addicted to other drugs.'

How would it be obtained?

Possession in Florida is a felony. GHB can only be obtained clandestinely. Myers said that he has treated several professional athletes for GHB-related addictions, but none in recent years.

Wasn't it legal once?

Yes, GHB originally was sold as a substance that could enhance workouts. According to Myers, 'the effect is actually the opposite.'

How is it detected?

GHB flushes out of the system quickly and doesn't show up in routine urine screenings, so a special medical test is needed to detect it. Some medical examiners won't order the test unless they suspect GHB usage, because of cost.

Would we know it by any other name?

G, Cherry Meth, Liquid X, Fantasy, Soap, Liquid E, Somatomaz, Vita-G.

Joe Henderson

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