GHB Usage among College Goers

GHB is a popular recreational drug used by young adults. It appears to have a high abuse potential because it produces euphoria, hallucinogenic effects, relaxation, tolerance, and severe withdrawal symptoms. In the United States, GHB compounds have been marketed illicitly to body builders as a growth hormone stimulant to build muscular mass.

GHB Usage among College Goers

INTRODUCTION TO GHB

Gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is commonly occurring small chain fatty acid that has been described as a possible neurotransmitter. From 1990, GHB has been abused on the street in the names such as “Liquid Ecstasy,” “Soap,” “Easy Lay,” and “Georgia Home Boy.” GHB and its precursors, gamma butyrolactone and 1, 4 butanediol, have been involved in poisonings, overdoses, date rapes, and deaths. GHB emergency room visits increased from 55 in 1994 to 2.973 in 1999. In 1999, GHB accounted for 32% of illicit drug-related poison center calls in Boston. These products, obtainable over the Internet and sometimes still sold in health food stores, are also available at some gyms, raves, nightclubs, college campuses, and are particularly popular among gay men. The products are commonly mixed with alcohol, have a short duration of action, and are not easily detectable on routine hospital toxicology screens.

GHB is a popular recreational drug used by young adults. It appears to have a high abuse potential because it produces euphoria, hallucinogenic effects, relaxation, tolerance, and severe withdrawal symptoms. In the United States, GHB compounds have been marketed illicitly to body builders as a growth hormone stimulant to build muscular mass. They have also been promoted as a replacement for L-tryptophan to improve sleep (16, 17). Two GHB precursors, gamma-butyrolactone and 1,4 butenadiol also have been marketed to impro...

Click here to read the rest of this article from Sober Recovery


Featured Facilities