Gammahydroxybutrate (GHB) or ‘Liquid Ecstasy’ and GBL (gammabutyrolactone) are closely related, dangerous drugs with sedative and anaesthetic effects. GBL converts to GHB shortly after entering the body. GBL and GHB have much the same effects. Both can kill you and are particularly dangerous when used with alcohol and other depressant or sedative substances including recreational drugs.
Slang: Street names for drugs can vary around the country. GHB, GBH, Liquid Ecstasy, GBL, 1,4-BD.
The effects
GHB and GBL produce essentially the same effects. They both produce a feeling of euphoria and can reduce your inhibitions and make you feel sleepy.
Chances of getting hooked
Repeated use of GHB is known to cause dependence in some people and this is likely to be true for GBL as well.
The law
GHB is a class C drug. Illegal to have, sell or giveaway. Possession can get you two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. Supplying someone, even your friends, can get you fourteen years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
GBL (with its like chemical 1,4-butanediol – known as 1,4-BD) are Class C controlled drugs. This means that it is against the law to possess them, to give them away or to sell them for human ingestion.
As GBL and 1,4-BD are chemicals used in industry they will continue to be available for legitimate use. But if someone supplies or possesses them knowing or believing that they will be swallowed and ingested, then they'll be committing an offence.
If GHB and GBL are linked to drug assisted sexual assault, the Sexual Offences Act 2003 states that it is an offence to administer a substance to a person with intent to overpower that person to enable sexual activity with them. This is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.
Appearance and use
Both GHB and GBL are usually sold as an odourless liquid in small bottles or capsules (iGHB does come in powder form but is rarer). It tastes slightly salty. A teaspoon or a capful is a normal dose although the strength of GHB varies so it can be very difficult for people to know how much they're taking.
The effects start after about 10 minutes to an hour and can last for up to seven hours or so.
GBL is a colourless, oily liquid with a weak odour. It is a common solvent used in products like paint strippers and stain removers.
Prices can vary from region to region. Based on an average of street prices reported from 20 different parts of England, a 30ml plastic container of GHB costs about £15.
The strength of GHB liquid varies widely from bottle to bottle. And when mixed badly, it can really burn the mouth.
At present there is little reliable evidence to determine the purity of GBL.
The risksTop
- Using both GHB and GBL can cause unconsciousness, coma and death.
- Even experienced users are at risk from death by intoxication.
- There is some evidence that taking these drugs with alcohol or other sedative drugs adds to the risk of harm.
- But it is also clear that GHB and GBL can cause death when taken on their own.
- Because GHB and GBL can really knock you out they've been linked to drug assisted sexual assault ( See ‘The law’ paragraph above).