GHB/GBL
(G, Gina, liquid ecstasy)
GHB and GBL are depressant drugs. GBL is not psychoactive itself, when it’s taken the body converts it into GHB so the effects and risk are largely the same. GHB and GBL usually come as liquids but GHB is occasionally available in powder form. GHB/GBL are most commonly used by men who have sex with men during chemsex but both are gaining popularity in the wider party scene.
Effects | Dosage | Advice | Support
Effects
The effects of GHB/GBL take between 5-25 minutes to kick in and will last for 2-4 hours. The effects of GHB/GBL are highly dose dependent. GHB/GBL are taken orally as a clear, oily liquid.
- Stimulation (at lower doses)
- Sedation (at higher doses)
- Disinhibition
- Increased libido
- Muscle relaxation
- Euphoria
- Forgetfulness
- Seizures/trashing about, known as ‘squiffing out’
- Unconsciousness (at higher doses)
Dosage
Dosing accurately is incredibly important with GHB/GBL as the difference between a dose that will produce a pleasant experience and an overdose can be tiny. However, GHB and GBL are often sold interchangeably and sold in solutions of varying strengths which means it’s quite difficult to give an accurate dosing guide.
As with most drugs, dosage will depend on a number of factors including tolerance, gender and body weight.
Most people would say that a good starting dose is 0.5-1ml. The best advice we can give is to start at the lower end of this due to variations in strength and risks involved.
If you’re going to redose, wait at least two hours (preferably more).
Harm Reduction Advice
- Always measure your doses using a syringe or pipette because the difference in dose between a pleasant experience and an overdose can be tiny. You can get measuring syringes from our needle exchange. Don’t let someone else dose for you and never just swig from a bottle.
- Mix your GHB/GBL with a soft drink as taking it straight will damage your teeth, mouth and stomach.
- The signs of overdose are unconsciousness, shallow breathing, blue lips/fingers, gurgling/snoring sounds, seizures or a faint/slow pulse. If ANY of these symptoms occur, put the person in the recovery position, call 999 and tell the paramedic what they have taken. You won’t get in trouble for this.
- Redosing too soon will put you at risk of overdose. Set a timer on your phone, wait at least 2 hours between (preferably more).
- Avoid mixing with alcohol, benzos, any other depressant drug or ketamine as this will significantly increase the risk of overdose.
- Use around people you know and trust as GHB/GBL will make you very disinhibited and at high doses potentially very vulnerable. Carry condoms and make sure you use them.
- Avoid using too often as you can become physically dependent on GHB/GBL in as few as 3 days. If you experience withdrawal symptoms (shakes, sweats, sleeplessness and extreme anxiety) continue to take your GHB/GBL and contact us for guidance on how to reduce safely.
- Store your GHB/GBL safely in a labelled container so it cannot be confused with a regular drink. Don’t leave drinks with GHB/GBL in them lying around.
- Do not attempt to get in a car and drive. Always find a safe alternative.
Access Support
The Drop is BDP’s one stop shop for support, advice and resources around party drugs.
