What are GHB and its analogs? Who uses GHB and its analogs? heart rate), delirium, and agitation. Users may experience these symptoms GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is a Although information about the within 1 to 6 hours of their last dose, powerful central nervous system extent of GHB and analog use in the and the symptoms may persist for depressant that the human body United States is limited, the data that months. produces in small amounts. A are available indicate that these drugs In addition to the risks associated synthetic (man-made) version of primarily are used by young people. with the drugs themselves, individuals GHB was developed in the 1920s as According to the Drug Abuse Warning who use GHB or its analogs may put an anesthetic. Individuals abuse Network, individuals aged 18 to 25 themselves at risk of sexual assault. synthetic GHB because of its euphoric account for 58 percent of all GHB While many sexual predators lace and sedative effects. Because of its mentions in drug-related emergency unsuspecting victims’ drinks with the anesthetic properties, GHB also has department visits. been used by sexual predators to drugs, others offer GHB or an analog incapacitate their victims. GHB use among high school stu- to victims who consume the drug with- dents is a particular concern. Nearly out understanding the effects it will GHB analogs, which include GBL, 2 percent of high school seniors in the produce. BD, GHV, and GVL, are drugs that United States used the drug at least possess chemical structures that once in the past year, according to the What are they called? closely resemble GHB. These analogs University of Michigan’s Monitoring the produce effects similar to those asso- Future Survey. The most common names for GHB ciated with GHB and are often used in are Georgia home boy, G, goop, griev- its place. What are the risks? ous bodily harm, and liquid ecstasy. (Please see the Street Terms text box What do they look like? Use of GHB and its analogs can below for additional names.) cause nausea, vomiting, delusions, GHB and its analogs typically are depression, dizziness, hallucinations, sold either as a white powder or as a seizures, respiratory distress, loss of clear liquid. The drugs often have a consciousness, slowed heart rate, Street Terms for salty taste. lowered blood pressure, amnesia, coma, and death. Mixing GHB or its analogs GHB and Its Analogs How are they abused? with alcohol is particularly dangerous Cherry meth Salty water because alcohol enhances the drug’s GHB and its analogs usually are Fantasy Scoop depressant effects. taken orally. Because of the drugs’ G-riffic Sleep salty taste, they often are mixed with Sustained use of GHB or its analogs Jib Sleep-500 a flavored beverage. Sexual predators can lead to addiction, and chronic Liquid E Soap who administer GHB or an analog to users experience withdrawal symptoms Liquid X Vita-G their victims typically slip the drug when they stop using the drugs. These Organic quaalude into a drink, often at a bar or party. symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, tachycardia (abnormally fast t n e Other products of interest: m t r a p e , D Huffing—The Abuse of Inhalants e c i l , o P Prescription Drug Abuse and Youth ) GHB S K , ( Drugs, Youth, and the Internet e l l i v y and Analogs e and Analogs f f o C Are GHB and its analogs illegal? Fast Facts For more information on illicillicitit drugs Yes, GHB and its analogs are illegal. GHB is a Schedule I sub- check out our web site at: stance under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule I drugs, www.usdoj.gov/ndic which include heroin and MDMA, have a high potential for abuse and serve no legitimate medical pur- pose. GHB analogs are treated as Schedule I drugs if they are National Drug Intelligence Center intended for human consumption. 319 Washington Street, 5th Floor Johnstown, PA 15901-1622 Telephone: 814-532-4601 Check out Fast Facts on: , FAX: 814-532-4690 , Crack cocaine NDIC Washington Liaison Office Crystal methamphetamine 8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 1001 , Heroin McLean, VA 22102-3840 , Inhalants Telephone: 703-556-8970 , FAX: 703-556-7807 , Jimsonweed , Ketamine NDIC publications are available on the following web sites: QuestionsQuestions , Khat ADNET http://ndicosa , LSD LEO home.leo.gov/lesig/ndic andand , Marijuana RISS ndic.riss.net , MDMA INTERNET www.usdoj.gov/ndic Methamphetamine Call 814-532-4541 AnswersAnswers , PCP to request NDIC products , Powdered cocaine National Drug Intelligence Center , Prescription drugs a component of the , 3 U.S. Department of Justice 0 NDIC Product No. 2003-L0559-009 Yaba 5 Cover photo © Porrata Consulting 1 5 0.