The rise of GHB, the date rape drug
The date rape drug, known by many names, including GHB, liquid ecstasy, vita-G and fantasy, represents an insidious danger in the club scene and other environments. This substance, often unknown to the general public despite its growing notoriety, requires extra precautions to prevent its devastating effects.
What is GHB?
GHB comes in several forms, mainly liquid or white powder (in bags or capsules). Its tasteless, odourless nature makes it difficult to detect when mixed with a drink, facilitating its use for malicious purposes. The powder may taste salty, but when mixed with an alcoholic beverage, its taste is virtually undetectable. Its rapid action usually manifests itself between 5 and 30 minutes after ingestion, inducing sudden drunkenness, memory loss, dizziness and impaired motor coordination in the victim. GHB is very difficult to detect after the crime, as it becomes undetectable in blood after 8 hours and undetectable in urine after 12 hours.
Although widely associated with criminal acts aimed at drugging individuals without their knowledge, GHB is also taken voluntarily by some for its euphoric, relaxation and disinhibition (reduced embarrassment) effects. Some bodybuilders use it because of its stimulating action on growth hormones. They look for its beneficial effects on fat burning and improved physical performance. Some also use it to enhance sexual performance. However, it has not been proven that GHB has a positive effect on sexual performance. This myth stems rather from the disinhibition effect.
GHB is used for medical purposes under prescription to treat narcolepsy, although its potential for abuse makes it a second- or even third-line therapeutic option. Laws severely prohibit its possession and non-medical use, exposing offenders to criminal sanctions.
What are the risks of GHB?
The risks associated with regular GHB use are serious, including physical and psychological dependence. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, ranging from panic attacks to insomnia and even seizures. A GHB overdose can lead to a deep coma, breathing difficulties and, in extreme cases, death. In the absence of a specific antidote for GHB, medical interventions are primarily aimed at stabilizing the patient and treating symptoms individually. The use of naloxone may be useful to reverse the effects of opioids if contamination or concomitant opioid use is suspected. There is no risk in administering naloxone even if the person has not taken an opioid. On the other hand, there is a risk of not administering naloxone if the person has overdosed on opioids.
How can GHB intoxication be prevented?
Adopting rigorous preventive measures is critical to preventing the risk of GHB poisoning. When out at a bar or during festive events, always watch your drinks and never leave them unattended. Travelling in a group with trusted friends can also offer added protection, allowing collective vigilance against any attempts by a third party to add GHB to your drink.
If in doubt about the composition of a drink or if unusual symptoms appear after consumption, it is imperative to contact the relevant authorities or emergency medical services immediately. Raising public awareness of the dangers of GHB and promoting responsible behaviour can help reduce the incidence of its abuse and protect vulnerable individuals in dynamic and often unpredictable social environments.
As mentioned earlier, GHB is rapidly undetectable in blood or urine, so it's important to get tested quickly if you suspect you've been unknowingly drugged.
In conclusion, the fight against GHB abuse requires a combination of educational prevention, personal supervision and strict legal intervention. By staying informed and acting proactively, every individual can play a major role in protecting their safety and those around them from this persistent threat.