G - GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate)

What It Is: A synthetic (man-made), psychoactive drug that slows the body down. (WARNING: Mixing the drug with alcohol is extremely dangerous because the two drugs cause similar effects).  Slang/street names include G, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid Ecstasy, Georgia Home Boy, etc…

Type of Drug: Central Nervous System Depressant Drug

Method of Use: Taken as a clear liquid, white powder that is snorted, or a pill.  It is often colorless, tasteless, and odorless which allows the drug to be slipped into a person’s drink, often without the person’s consent or knowledge.

What It Does: It can slow breathing and heart rate to dangerously low levels.  The drug’s effects begin 10 to 20 minutes after the drug is taken and typically last up to 4 hours. The drug produces withdrawal effects, including insomnia (the inability to sleep), anxiety, tremors, and sweating.

Health Risks: Coma and seizures can occur following use of GHB and, when combined with methamphetamine (speed), there appears to be an increased risk of seizure.  Combining use with other drugs such as alcohol can result in nausea and difficulty breathing. Overdose of GHB can occur very quickly.  The signs of overdose are drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of consciousness, loss of reflexes, impaired breathing, and ultimately death.  (WARNING: GHB overdose is sometimes difficult to recognize in emergency rooms if doctors do not know the drug was taken.) 

 Legal Status: Illegal in the United States

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