|
[print
friendly version]
GHB
(gamma hydroxybutyric acid)
Street
Names: Liquid Ecstasy, Scoop, Easy Lay, Georgia Home Boy, Grievous Bodily
Harm, Liquid X, and Goop1
What are the different
forms of GHB?
- An odorless, colorless
liquid form
- White powder material2
How is GHB used?
- Usually ingested
in a liquid mixture; most commonly mixed with alcohol
Who uses GHB?
- GHB has become
popular among teens and young adults at dance clubs and "raves."
- Body builders
sometimes use GHB for its alleged anabolic effects.
How does GHB get
to the United States?
- Because the drug
is easy to synthesize and manufacture, local operators usually handle
distribution.3
How much does GHB
cost?
- GHB is usually
sold by the capful, and sells for $5 to $25 per cap.4
What are some consequences
of GHB use?
- In lower doses,
GHB causes drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and visual disturbances.
- At higher dosages,
unconsciousness, seizures, severe respiratory depression, and coma can
occur.
- Overdoses usually
require emergency room treatment, including intensive care for respiratory
depression and coma. As of November 2000, DEA documented 71 GHB-related
deaths.
- GHB has been used
in the commission of sexual assaults because it renders the victim incapable
of resisting, and may cause memory problems that could complicate case
prosecution.5
1Drug
Enforcement Administration, Club
Drugs: An Update, September 2001.
2Office of National Drug Control Policy, Drug
Facts: Club Drugs, May 2002.
3Drug Enforcement Administration, Club
Drugs: An Update, September 2001.
4Ibid.
5Ibid.
|