GHB

Made to Measure

Use a plunger (syringe barrel) to measure your doses when using G. Keep track of the amount you have taken and the time you took it. Setting phone reminders or notes are a good way to keep track, as well as dosing the same time as your fuck buddies. Set an alarm for G O’clock.

What you score as GHB could actually be its cousin, GBL.

When you take GBL it first needs to be changed by the body into GHB before you can feel its effects. This can take twice as long as regular GHB, and they don’t look or taste any different. Be mindful before you take a second dose thinking it’s weak or hasn’t worked. You could get a sudden rush or ‘drop’ from taking too much. When playing with a new or unfamiliar ‘batch’ it’s a good idea to cut your regular dose in half. Get a feel for it before deciding your next dose.

G accumulates in your body, so your third dose may hit you harder than your first. Keep an eye on yourself and your mates and consider lowering doses as your session goes on.

Measure and dose yourself, or together with your mates so you know how much you’ve had. Someone who measures generously (or sloppily!) might pour you 1mL that’s really more like 2mL.

Set an alarm! Know when you’re going to dose, and set an alarm or notification for “G O’clock” so you don’t accidentally lose track of the time and dose too early.

GHB eats plastic! This can remove the markings on barrels so change your barrels frequently.

Thorne Harbour Health and Dancewize volunteers have free barrels you can grab at Chillout spaces at events like Trough. You can also grab them ahead of time from an NSP.

Sexually, GHB can make you hornier and intensify both your erections and your orgasms. If you are the bottoming, the relaxing effect of GHB can make it easier to take things up your arse.

In long fuck sessions, keep on adding lube and change condoms every half an hour or with every new partner.

Using GHB you might choose to take different risks sexually than you would otherwise. As your inhibitions decrease, your sex drive and arousal increase. If condoms and lube aren’t being used, PrEP is a great choice for HIV-negative guys to remain HIV-negative.

PHYSICAL

• Decreased motor skills and lack of coordination
• Relaxation
• Slurring of speech
• Involuntary muscle twitches or convulsions, which can cause your legs to give way under you
• Urinary incontinence or diarrhea
• Repetitive motions or actions
• Nausea, vomiting, or grogginess
• Unconsciousness or depressed breathing
• Headaches, dizziness
• Ringing in ears

EMOTIONAL

• Feeling turned
• Euphoria
• Happiness
• Relaxation

PSYCHOLOGICAL

• Reduced social inhibitions
• Increased appreciation of music, dancing and talking
• Increased sexual desire / Sexually stimulating
• Changed (often increased) response to sexual stimuli

Look after your mates – some signs that someone on G might be overdosing include;

• Vomitting
• Excessive sweating (they may also stop sweating if they are dehydrated)
• irregular heartbeat
• Dipping in and out on conciousness

LONG TERM SIDE EFFECTS CAN INCLUDE

• Difficulty concentrating
• Hallucinations
• Slurred speech
• Headaches
• Amnesia
• Respiratory depression
• Mouth sores and infections
• Cardiovascular collapse
• Muscle pain
• Extreme anxiety
• Seizures
• Financial or relationship issues

Ongoing Regular use can cause:

• Dependence and the necessity to access a medical withdrawal unit to give up.
• Cognitive impairment (difficulty concentrating/difficulty with short-term memory)
• An increased prevalence of developing a mood disorder (such as depression and anxiety).

GHB + Alcohol– or other depressants (Benzo’s, heroin, ketamine) can cause nausea, vomiting, and overdose. GHB can be a dangerous drug when mixed with alcohol/other depressants. If you do intend on taking GHB then it is advised that you NEVER mix it with alcohol or other depressants.
GHB + Ketamine can result in overdose, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing ultimately resulting in respiratory failure and possible death.

GHB + Stimulants like ecstasy, cocaine, crystal meth or speed– heart strain. This combo means the drugs are working against each other. The GHB will slow down signals in your central nervous system(CNS) while the stimulant will speed them up.

GHB and HIV meds:  There can a number of possible effects based on the type of medication you are taking. They can range between no/mild effect right through to the existence of potentially life-threatening interactions. In some instances, HIV medication can enhance the GHB in your system, and cause toxicity/overdose. Speak with your GP about the party drugs you intend on taking and their impact with your specific medication.

What if shit goes wrong?

• Stay away from crowds.
• Avoid loud noises.
• Reassure yourself or the person affected that what you are experiencing is because of the G.
• If it gets out of control dial 000 and remember paramedics are not obliged to involve the police.
• If things aren’t going as planned you might experience:
  • Respiratory distress or an inability to breathe
  • convulsions/Seizure
  • Black-out
  • Extreme confusion

Things not feeling great?

If you’re experiencing negative side effects from your alcohol use you can access Thorne Harbour Health’s counselling services

For LGBTI drug information check out Touchbase or Harm Reduction Victoria’s drug resources

If you need help on dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, please contact DrugInfo at 1300 85 85 84

If you’re in crisis contact Switchboard  or Lifeline

Ask us anything! Got more questions about GHB? Ask our specialists and we’ll get back to you with some help or answers.