Substance Abuse
Definitions and Symptoms

GHB - “Date Rape Drug”

Definition:

GHB (gammahydroxybutyrate or gammahydroxybutyric acid) is a fast-acting central nervous system depressant and anabolic steroid generally classed as a club drug because of its popularity among teens attending all-night dance parties (raves). It comes in powder, capsule, and liquid forms, with the liquid form being colorless, odorless, and slightly salty in taste.

GHB is an illegal substance used frequently as a recreational drug among youth attending raves, or all-night dance parties. Previously, GHB was marketed to bodybuilders and athletes as a health food product able to promote weight loss and muscle development. Health food stores and pharmacies also have sold GHB over the counter as a dietary supplement.

Psychological Effects:

• Euphoria
• Relaxed
• Non-caring (Disinhibition)
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Hallucination
• Temporary amnesia
• Sleepwalking

Physical Effects:

• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Agitation
• Slowing of heart rate
• Lack of coordination
• Loss of balance (Unsteady gait)
• Urinary incontinence
• Seizure
• Respiratory depression
• Coma