apollo
Bluelighter
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2001
- Messages
- 2,422
This FAQ will focus on gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB its self) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-B) – the most common substitute. Over time I’ll expand it to include GBL, and more detailed/comprehensive information.
What are the effects of GHB?
GHB produces, on a sliding scale, the following; an overall mood lift, relaxation, increased sociability, euphoria, dissolution of anxieties and inhibitions, a “truth-serum” effect, motor skill impairment, an increase in sexual function & desire, possible dizziness and/or nausea. The effects last 1 to 4 hours, and incur few to none of the unpleasant physical side effects associated with similar highs, such as alcohol.
GHB is an aphrodisiac. Its prosexual effects go beyond common knowledge, but can be expressed under four headings: Loss of inhibition, heightening of the sense of touch (tactility), enhancement of male erectile capacity, and increased intensity of orgasm.
How much do I take?
Here are some common dosage measurements, taken from Erowid.
Light --> 0.5 - 1.5 g
Common --> 1 - 2.5 g
Strong --> 2 - 3.5 g
Can induce heavy sleep --> 3 - 5 g
Overdose --> 5 - 10 g
Poisoning (Risk of Death)--> 10+ g
Some individuals are naturally tolerant to GHB, while others are naturally sensitive to it. Body weight is a fair assumption, but it’s still difficult to determine which type you are without trying it. Start off with a small dose regardless of your assumptions or suspicions as to your tolerance! You can always re-dose if you haven’t achieved the effects you want to. But you can’t un-dose once you’re comatose.
Now for the largest issue surrounding recreational GHB use…
The above figures are grams of pure GHB powder. It is possible to dissolve 1 gram of GHB powder into less than 1ml of water. That means that you could potentially overdose on as little as 5ml of liquid GHB - and that's even for a large, tolerant person.
If you’ve got a source of pure powdered GHB… Good for you. For the masses of people who are supplied with liquid, the question on your minds right now is something along the lines of “So how do I know how much GHB is in the liquid I’ve got?” And the answer is… Unless you dissolved the powder yourself, you don’t. You may trust your dealer enough to believe him/her on the subject… Which means you’re trusting someone who cares for nothing but your wallet with your life.
The truth is, there is no way to determine the concentration. Don’t assume anything. It’s up to you how you go about working out the concentration of GHB in your liquid. Whatever you do, please take extreme care!
How bad is it for you?
GHB is a natural product of the human metabolism – it’s a carbohydrate, found extensively throughout human diets (all animal-flesh foods contain GHB). It’s biologically synthesised from the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), a structurally similar amino acid that is also widespread in human metabolism and diet. GHB is also biologically converted back into GABA to balance levels when necessary. GHB is intimately involved in the normal functioning of the human brain, with the highest amounts of it found in the hypothalamus and basal ganglia. Without GHB, our central nervous system would not function properly. Our bodies are able to deal with GHB, and it is no stranger in our system. For this reason, responsible recreational use of GHB is widely considered to be safe. It yields few unpleasant physical side effects, less nervous system depression, and no long-term toxicity to the brain and liver.
Keep in mind that if you’re abusing GHB, it’s a different story all together, and you can forget this low-threshold safety blanket. Despite its general safety and lack of toxicity, the safe use of GHB requires information, preparation, caution, and good judgment. In other words, follow the usage guidelines!
Is it addictive?
Studies show that it is not physically addictive, however users can easily developed a psychological dependence on GHB. With so many positive effects and so few negative ones, many people set about frequent use of GHB… Unfortunately this is where the risks with GHB lie, in abuse.
How can I tell if someone is overdosing? What should I do?
First rule of overdoses: Don’t ever say “he/she hasn’t had enough to be overdosing” – depending on the body weight and tolerance of the individual (which you more than likely have no idea of), as little as two grams can push someone over the edge. The line between a high dose and an overdose is very fine and so variable it’s hard to say just where it is. The following are signs that someone is near overdosing, overdosing, or near dead.
Use your judgment. It’s not uncommon for people to get dizzy, vomit, slur their speech and loose motor controls on high doses. If someone goes into so much as an irresponsive state, call an ambulance immediately.
What doesn’t it mix with?
GHB temporarily inhibits the release of dopamine in the brain. It binds to GABA receptors in the brain and mediates the release of an “opiate like substance” in the striatum (nerve fibers in the brain). GHB causes dopamine storage, and increased dopamine release when the GHB wears off. This effect accounts for regular/high dose users waking up feeling like a million dollars in the middle of the night, and also all users feeling alert the next day.
GHB stimulates pituitary growth hormone release. A Japanese study reported nine fold and sixteen fold increases in growth hormone levels 30 and 60 minutes respectively after 2.5g of GHB was intravenously injected into six healthy men between the ages of twenty-five and forty. GH levels were still seven times higher than normal 120 minutes after administration.
The body quickly and efficiently metabolises GHB into carbon dioxide and water, leaving absolutely no residue of toxic metabolites. It takes about 20 hours for it to pass into an undetectable stage in your urine.
GHB activates a metabolic procedure known as the “pentose pathway” which plays an important role in the distribution of protein within the body. It also reduces the rate at which the body breaks down its own proteins. These properties, along with GHBs effect on growth hormone, justify its common use as an aid to muscle-building and fat loss.
Large doses of GHB bring about a small increase in blood sugar levels, and a significant decrease in cholesterol. Blood pressure may rise or fall slightly, or remain stable, but moderate bradycardia (slowing of the heart) is consistent across all doses, along with a slight drop in body temperature.
GHB also stimulates the release of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter found at the ends of nerve fibers in the nervous system that is responsible for transmission of nerve impulses throughout the body.
Stimulants (namely amphetamines) appear to increase your tolerance to G, due to both drugs influencing dopamine release in the brain. If you combine GHB & amphetamines/methamphetamines, then later use the same amount of G without the stimulants, you’ll achieve more potent effects with a lower dose, and, the overdose threshold will be lowered… Be wary.
For those who are interested, the history of GHB…
GHB was first synthesised in 1960 by Dr. H. Laborit, a French researcher interested in exploring the effects of GABA in the brain. GABA (or gamma-amino butyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that is important to hypothalamic functioning (regulation of body temperature, certain metabolic processes, and other autonomic activities). Because little or no GABA crosses the blood-brain barrier, Laborit synthesised GHB. In simple terms, this process substitutes a hydroxy group for an amino group. The difference allows GHB to cross the blood brain barrier where some of it is metabolised into GABA. As it turned out, Laborit found that GHB exhibited a range of effects beyond those expected from GABA. During the 1980s, GHB was widely available over the counter in health-food stores and was purchased mainly by body-builders. Recreational use increased and beginning in 1990 with the United States it gradually came to be illegal, or at least controlled across a majority of countries around the world. GHB has been used as many different things, including:
Does it feel the same as GHB?
While 1,4-B is converted into GHB, the effects are not identical. An experienced user (known as a G-whore
) could probably tell the difference between the two even if given no indication as to which measuring cup contained which chemical. Due to the gradual nature of the conversion (it is far from instantaneous) the effects of 1,4-B often last longer than those of GHB – by the time the first of the converted GHB hits, the last of it could still be in the aldehyde gamma-hydroxybutyraldehyde stage, awaiting oxidization. Also as a consequence of the conversion, 1,4-B more frequently causes physical upset such as nausea and vomiting – unlike GHB, 1,4-B it’s a foreign chemical to the human body with far more potential for toxicity and adverse reaction. For this reason it also causes frequent urination in most users (similar to alcohol…) Most users report that GHB simply feels “cleaner” and 1,4-B does not produce as much relaxation.
The difference in effects appears to be highly subjective, so it’s hard to say much more than that without starting arguments. A suggested reason for the difference varying so greatly from people to people is different body types, diets, etc contributing to more/less efficient conversion of 1,4-B to GHB.
Is it toxic?
There has been considerable debate over the toxicity of 1,4-B. The most convincing argument runs along the lines of its chemical similarity to an antifreeze agent used in radiator fluid, called propylene glycol. This suggests some serious issues with 1,4-B, however studies on its effects on the human body have proven it is not a danger, unless abused.
As with GHB, the main risks involving 1,4-B are abuse, unknown variances in concentration and overdoses. 1,4-B damages your liver and kidneys much in the same way as alcohol does, however there is a much steeper bell curve (the damage will begin with less abuse, and get out of hand easier).
How much do I take?
Read dosages for GHB. Keep in mind 1,4-B only exists in liquid form, whereas GHB can be powdered or liquid. There are no differences regarding 1,4-B – it can be high grade, pure gear, or it can be diluted. Also note that you’ll probably experience physical upset at a lower dose.
How can I tell the difference between GHB, and 1,4-B
This is a grey area… Unless you know what you’ve got from the start, there’s no fail safe way to determine what the blue liquid sitting in front of you is.
The following goes for pure chemicals only… The freezing point of 1,4-B is 20 degrees centigrade. The freezing point of GHB is –20 degrees centigrade. Thus putting your blue liquid in the fridge may indicate what you’ve got… But don’t rely on it – add water to 1,4-B, and what do you get? A lower freezing point…
1,4-B tastes extremely bad – it’s been described as “like drinking liquid plastic”, “distinctly chemical” and “acrid”. GHB (being a sodium salt) tastes more like seawater. The two tastes are easy to distinguish, however unless you’ve tried both, you’ll never know.
How do I minimise harm when using GHB, GBL or 1,4-B?
Glad you asked kiddies. The most commonly available form of GHB is a salt, and thus users dehydrate quickly. Solution = drink water. You’ll probably find yourself urinating often on 1,4-B, so keep your fluids up when using that as well. Next up, the liver problems 1,4-B can incur… One of the best ideas is taking Milk thistle to avoid potential problems.
Please dye your GHB/1,4-B blue (and don’t keep it in Gatorade bottles… or any drinking bottle for that matter). It’s a commonly accepted precaution, and it goes a long way to prevent inadvertent consumption, and silly overdoses.
Tell someone you’re doing G! Write “GHB” on your hand! If you’re unconscious and no one knows why, paramedics aren’t going to know what to treat you for, or with… And if it’s bad enough, they wont be able to wake you up to ask you. Safety first
Provided you’re not abusing GHB or 1,4-B, taking these steps will minimise the harm it can cause. GHB looks like it’s an easy, fun, safe high but the truth is it’s not. Frighteningly low and variable overdose levels parallel the myriad of wonderful effects GHB induces. The line between a pleasant buzz and hospital visit isn't as wide as you might hope. Treat GHB with respect, and you’ll have no problem what so ever
[ 18 July 2002: Message edited by: apollo ]
What are the effects of GHB?
GHB produces, on a sliding scale, the following; an overall mood lift, relaxation, increased sociability, euphoria, dissolution of anxieties and inhibitions, a “truth-serum” effect, motor skill impairment, an increase in sexual function & desire, possible dizziness and/or nausea. The effects last 1 to 4 hours, and incur few to none of the unpleasant physical side effects associated with similar highs, such as alcohol.
GHB is an aphrodisiac. Its prosexual effects go beyond common knowledge, but can be expressed under four headings: Loss of inhibition, heightening of the sense of touch (tactility), enhancement of male erectile capacity, and increased intensity of orgasm.
How much do I take?
Here are some common dosage measurements, taken from Erowid.
Light --> 0.5 - 1.5 g
Common --> 1 - 2.5 g
Strong --> 2 - 3.5 g
Can induce heavy sleep --> 3 - 5 g
Overdose --> 5 - 10 g
Poisoning (Risk of Death)--> 10+ g
Some individuals are naturally tolerant to GHB, while others are naturally sensitive to it. Body weight is a fair assumption, but it’s still difficult to determine which type you are without trying it. Start off with a small dose regardless of your assumptions or suspicions as to your tolerance! You can always re-dose if you haven’t achieved the effects you want to. But you can’t un-dose once you’re comatose.
Now for the largest issue surrounding recreational GHB use…
The above figures are grams of pure GHB powder. It is possible to dissolve 1 gram of GHB powder into less than 1ml of water. That means that you could potentially overdose on as little as 5ml of liquid GHB - and that's even for a large, tolerant person.
If you’ve got a source of pure powdered GHB… Good for you. For the masses of people who are supplied with liquid, the question on your minds right now is something along the lines of “So how do I know how much GHB is in the liquid I’ve got?” And the answer is… Unless you dissolved the powder yourself, you don’t. You may trust your dealer enough to believe him/her on the subject… Which means you’re trusting someone who cares for nothing but your wallet with your life.
The truth is, there is no way to determine the concentration. Don’t assume anything. It’s up to you how you go about working out the concentration of GHB in your liquid. Whatever you do, please take extreme care!
How bad is it for you?
GHB is a natural product of the human metabolism – it’s a carbohydrate, found extensively throughout human diets (all animal-flesh foods contain GHB). It’s biologically synthesised from the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), a structurally similar amino acid that is also widespread in human metabolism and diet. GHB is also biologically converted back into GABA to balance levels when necessary. GHB is intimately involved in the normal functioning of the human brain, with the highest amounts of it found in the hypothalamus and basal ganglia. Without GHB, our central nervous system would not function properly. Our bodies are able to deal with GHB, and it is no stranger in our system. For this reason, responsible recreational use of GHB is widely considered to be safe. It yields few unpleasant physical side effects, less nervous system depression, and no long-term toxicity to the brain and liver.
Keep in mind that if you’re abusing GHB, it’s a different story all together, and you can forget this low-threshold safety blanket. Despite its general safety and lack of toxicity, the safe use of GHB requires information, preparation, caution, and good judgment. In other words, follow the usage guidelines!
Is it addictive?
Studies show that it is not physically addictive, however users can easily developed a psychological dependence on GHB. With so many positive effects and so few negative ones, many people set about frequent use of GHB… Unfortunately this is where the risks with GHB lie, in abuse.
How can I tell if someone is overdosing? What should I do?
First rule of overdoses: Don’t ever say “he/she hasn’t had enough to be overdosing” – depending on the body weight and tolerance of the individual (which you more than likely have no idea of), as little as two grams can push someone over the edge. The line between a high dose and an overdose is very fine and so variable it’s hard to say just where it is. The following are signs that someone is near overdosing, overdosing, or near dead.
- mild to extreme nausea and vomiting
- vertigo
- complete loss of coordination
- speech slurred, sometimes beyond audibility
- unconsciousness (unrousable unconsciousness referred to as a “GHB coma”)
- no response to any stimuli, including thing which are usually painful
- convulsions and/or twitching
- irregular breathing (often soft and shallow)
Use your judgment. It’s not uncommon for people to get dizzy, vomit, slur their speech and loose motor controls on high doses. If someone goes into so much as an irresponsive state, call an ambulance immediately.
What doesn’t it mix with?
- alcohol
- any other drug classed as a depressant
- driving (it’s the same as alcohol in that respect)
- epilepsy
GHB temporarily inhibits the release of dopamine in the brain. It binds to GABA receptors in the brain and mediates the release of an “opiate like substance” in the striatum (nerve fibers in the brain). GHB causes dopamine storage, and increased dopamine release when the GHB wears off. This effect accounts for regular/high dose users waking up feeling like a million dollars in the middle of the night, and also all users feeling alert the next day.
GHB stimulates pituitary growth hormone release. A Japanese study reported nine fold and sixteen fold increases in growth hormone levels 30 and 60 minutes respectively after 2.5g of GHB was intravenously injected into six healthy men between the ages of twenty-five and forty. GH levels were still seven times higher than normal 120 minutes after administration.
The body quickly and efficiently metabolises GHB into carbon dioxide and water, leaving absolutely no residue of toxic metabolites. It takes about 20 hours for it to pass into an undetectable stage in your urine.
GHB activates a metabolic procedure known as the “pentose pathway” which plays an important role in the distribution of protein within the body. It also reduces the rate at which the body breaks down its own proteins. These properties, along with GHBs effect on growth hormone, justify its common use as an aid to muscle-building and fat loss.
Large doses of GHB bring about a small increase in blood sugar levels, and a significant decrease in cholesterol. Blood pressure may rise or fall slightly, or remain stable, but moderate bradycardia (slowing of the heart) is consistent across all doses, along with a slight drop in body temperature.
GHB also stimulates the release of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter found at the ends of nerve fibers in the nervous system that is responsible for transmission of nerve impulses throughout the body.
Stimulants (namely amphetamines) appear to increase your tolerance to G, due to both drugs influencing dopamine release in the brain. If you combine GHB & amphetamines/methamphetamines, then later use the same amount of G without the stimulants, you’ll achieve more potent effects with a lower dose, and, the overdose threshold will be lowered… Be wary.
For those who are interested, the history of GHB…
GHB was first synthesised in 1960 by Dr. H. Laborit, a French researcher interested in exploring the effects of GABA in the brain. GABA (or gamma-amino butyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that is important to hypothalamic functioning (regulation of body temperature, certain metabolic processes, and other autonomic activities). Because little or no GABA crosses the blood-brain barrier, Laborit synthesised GHB. In simple terms, this process substitutes a hydroxy group for an amino group. The difference allows GHB to cross the blood brain barrier where some of it is metabolised into GABA. As it turned out, Laborit found that GHB exhibited a range of effects beyond those expected from GABA. During the 1980s, GHB was widely available over the counter in health-food stores and was purchased mainly by body-builders. Recreational use increased and beginning in 1990 with the United States it gradually came to be illegal, or at least controlled across a majority of countries around the world. GHB has been used as many different things, including:
- treatment for insomnia, narcolepsy and other forms of sleep deprivation (with mixed results, which will be explained later)
- withdrawal treatment for alcohol and opiates
- an anesthetic
- a bodybuilding supplement (GHB increases release of growth hormones, however no study has ever proven any gain in muscle/weight associated with GHB use)
- an aid for women giving birth (it increases the strength of contractions, decreases pain, and increases dilation of the cervix)
- a sexual aid
Does it feel the same as GHB?
While 1,4-B is converted into GHB, the effects are not identical. An experienced user (known as a G-whore
) could probably tell the difference between the two even if given no indication as to which measuring cup contained which chemical. Due to the gradual nature of the conversion (it is far from instantaneous) the effects of 1,4-B often last longer than those of GHB – by the time the first of the converted GHB hits, the last of it could still be in the aldehyde gamma-hydroxybutyraldehyde stage, awaiting oxidization. Also as a consequence of the conversion, 1,4-B more frequently causes physical upset such as nausea and vomiting – unlike GHB, 1,4-B it’s a foreign chemical to the human body with far more potential for toxicity and adverse reaction. For this reason it also causes frequent urination in most users (similar to alcohol…) Most users report that GHB simply feels “cleaner” and 1,4-B does not produce as much relaxation. The difference in effects appears to be highly subjective, so it’s hard to say much more than that without starting arguments. A suggested reason for the difference varying so greatly from people to people is different body types, diets, etc contributing to more/less efficient conversion of 1,4-B to GHB.
Is it toxic?
There has been considerable debate over the toxicity of 1,4-B. The most convincing argument runs along the lines of its chemical similarity to an antifreeze agent used in radiator fluid, called propylene glycol. This suggests some serious issues with 1,4-B, however studies on its effects on the human body have proven it is not a danger, unless abused.
As with GHB, the main risks involving 1,4-B are abuse, unknown variances in concentration and overdoses. 1,4-B damages your liver and kidneys much in the same way as alcohol does, however there is a much steeper bell curve (the damage will begin with less abuse, and get out of hand easier).
How much do I take?
Read dosages for GHB. Keep in mind 1,4-B only exists in liquid form, whereas GHB can be powdered or liquid. There are no differences regarding 1,4-B – it can be high grade, pure gear, or it can be diluted. Also note that you’ll probably experience physical upset at a lower dose.
How can I tell the difference between GHB, and 1,4-B
This is a grey area… Unless you know what you’ve got from the start, there’s no fail safe way to determine what the blue liquid sitting in front of you is.
The following goes for pure chemicals only… The freezing point of 1,4-B is 20 degrees centigrade. The freezing point of GHB is –20 degrees centigrade. Thus putting your blue liquid in the fridge may indicate what you’ve got… But don’t rely on it – add water to 1,4-B, and what do you get? A lower freezing point…
1,4-B tastes extremely bad – it’s been described as “like drinking liquid plastic”, “distinctly chemical” and “acrid”. GHB (being a sodium salt) tastes more like seawater. The two tastes are easy to distinguish, however unless you’ve tried both, you’ll never know.
How do I minimise harm when using GHB, GBL or 1,4-B?
Glad you asked kiddies. The most commonly available form of GHB is a salt, and thus users dehydrate quickly. Solution = drink water. You’ll probably find yourself urinating often on 1,4-B, so keep your fluids up when using that as well. Next up, the liver problems 1,4-B can incur… One of the best ideas is taking Milk thistle to avoid potential problems.
Please dye your GHB/1,4-B blue (and don’t keep it in Gatorade bottles… or any drinking bottle for that matter). It’s a commonly accepted precaution, and it goes a long way to prevent inadvertent consumption, and silly overdoses.
Tell someone you’re doing G! Write “GHB” on your hand! If you’re unconscious and no one knows why, paramedics aren’t going to know what to treat you for, or with… And if it’s bad enough, they wont be able to wake you up to ask you. Safety first
Provided you’re not abusing GHB or 1,4-B, taking these steps will minimise the harm it can cause. GHB looks like it’s an easy, fun, safe high but the truth is it’s not. Frighteningly low and variable overdose levels parallel the myriad of wonderful effects GHB induces. The line between a pleasant buzz and hospital visit isn't as wide as you might hope. Treat GHB with respect, and you’ll have no problem what so ever
[ 18 July 2002: Message edited by: apollo ]
