Ecstasy products ghb

MDMA is a synthetic drug that acts as a stimulant and hallucinogen.15–17 It produces an energizing effect, distortions in time and perception, and enhanced enjoyment from sensory experiences. It has also been described as an entactogen—a drug that can increase self-awareness and empathy.1,2,18

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, or GHB, is an illegal drug that is sometimes used as a ‘party drug’ in the dance and club scene. It produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation and sociability, and an increased urge for sex. GHB acts as a nervous system depressant and poses a risk for dependence. . Even a small increase in dose can cause serious effects or death.

GHB is often known as ‘liquid ecstasy’, but it is a completely different drug to ecstasy. Other names for GHB include grievous bodily harm (GBH) or fantasy.

How GHB is used
GHB was first manufactured and studied in the 1960s and used as a general anaesthetic. It was also widely available in the 1980s as a dietary supplement and bodybuilding product. GHB has since been withdrawn from use in many countries because of unwanted side effects. It is now an illegal (illicit) drug in Australia. GHB is sometimes used to spike drinks and has been involved in cases of sexual assault. It is easy to slip it into a drink, because it has no colour or smell and it can cause drowsiness, sleep and short-term memory loss. This means that victims may not be able to resist or recall a sexual assault. For this reason, it is sometimes known as a ‘date rape’ drug.

How GHB works
GHB is a depressant that occurs naturally in the brain and has sedative and anaesthetic effects. Depressant substances slow down the activity of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system. Other drugs that have depressant effects include alcohol, heroin and benzodiazepines.

GHB comes in a few forms including:

a colourless, odourless, bitter or salty-tasting liquid – sold in small bottles or vials
a coloured liquid
crystals or powder (this is less common).
Common effects of GHB
Generally, the effects of GHB are felt within 15 minutes and last for around three hours. GHB effects vary greatly depending on the amount used. A small increase in amount can result in a dramatic increase in its effects. This is one of the most dangerous aspects of using GHB. There is a very small difference between the amount a person may take to produce the desired effect and the amount that results in overdose.

In moderate amounts, GHB can produce feelings of:

relaxation
drowsiness
sociability
euphoria
lack of inhibition
an increased urge for sex
heightened sensitivity to touch.
High dose effects of GHB
High doses of GHB can result in:

dizziness
vomiting
tremors
tunnel vision
loss of coordination (ataxia)
confusion, irritation and agitation
hallucinations
blackouts and memory lapses
seizures
coma
respiratory arrest (stopping breathing) and death.