GHB

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GHB
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• GHB CONTENT

• What is GHB?
• History
• How is GHB Consumed?
• What are the Effects?
• Low Dose Effects
• High Dose Effects
• Testing for GHB
• Useful Links

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• WHAT IS GHB?

• GHB, or Gamma Hydroxylbuteric acid, is
  classified as a central nervous system (CNS)
  depressant that sometimes causes hallucinations.
• GHB is usually found as a clear liquid with a
  slightly salty taste, but can also be found as a
  small tablet or capsule, all of which dissolve
  quickly in liquid.
• GHB usually is sold by capful or teaspoon, also
  known as a dose.

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HISTORY of GHB

• 1960s GHB is developed as an anesthetic, but the
  side effects limit the use.
• 1980s GHB can be bought in health food stores and
  use begins to rise amongst body builders due to
  the myth that GHB has many of the same properties
  as steroids.
• 1990 The over-the-counter sale of GHB is banned
  in the United States by the FDA.

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HISTORY of GHB

• 1997-1999 Several countries pass laws to control
  GHB and several individual U.S. States place GHB
  in Schedules I through IV.
• 2000 GHB becomes a Schedule I drug in the United
  States.

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STREET NAMES
Gook
Gamma 10
Liquid X
Georgia Home Boy
Liquid E
Soap
Grievous Bodily Harm
Fantasy
Goop
Gamma-Oh
Zonked
Scoop
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HOW IS GHB CONSUMED?

• GHB can be found in both a liquid and a powder
  form.
• Both forms are consumed orally and are sometimes
  mixed with sweet or strong flavored drinks to
  help hide the salty taste.
• Both forms dissolve almost entirely in liquids.
• The onset of the effects of GHB occur
  approximately 1 hour after ingestion, and can be
  felt for up to 6 hours.

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LOW DOSAGE EFFECTS

• Low doses are considered to be recreational doses
  by those that use, or 1-2 capfuls. The low
  doses of GHB can cause

• Mood elevation

• Hypnotic Consciousness

• Relaxation

• Mild dizziness

• Reduced inhibitions

• Increased Sociability

• Decreased Motor Skills

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HIGH DOSAGE EFFECTS

• High doses of GHB are considered to be 3-4
  capfuls or teaspoons. The effects of high doses
  of GHB have been compared to those of heavy
  drinking

• Grogginess

• Increased Sociability

• Mild Euphoria

• Vertigo

• Slurred Speech

• Visual disturbances / Difficulty Focusing Eyes

• Nausea

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WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

• Dont accept drinks from people you dont know.
• Dont drink beverages that you did not open
  yourself.
• Dont share or exchange drinks with anyone.
• Dont take a drink from a punch bowl or a
  container that is being passed around.
• If possible, bring your own drinks to parties.
• If someone offers you a drink from the bar at a
  club or party, accompany the person to the bar to
  order your drink, watch the drink being poured,
  and carry the drink yourself.
• Dont leave your drink unattended while talking,
  dancing, using the restroom, or making a phone
  call.
• If you realize your drink has been left
  unattended, discard it.
• Dont drink anything that has an unusual taste or
  appearance (e.g., salty taste, excessive foam,
  unexplained residue).
• DONT MIX DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

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WATCH OUT FOR YOUR FRIENDS

• Know the danger signs and take action -- if
  someone seems very drunk, gets sick after
  drinking a beverage, is having trouble breathing,
  passes out and cant be awakened, or is behaving
  in some other unusual way, the person may be in
  danger. Get medical attention immediately. Call
  911 for emergency medical help. Do not assume
  the person just needs to sleep it off. She or
  he could die.
• If you see or hear that someone is dosing a
  drink or a punch bowl, do something. Warn other
  people at the party, throw the drink away, get
  help from friends, and if anyone seems drugged,
  help her or him get medical care.
• Warn friends about high-risk situations or places
  such as clubs or parties where dosing is known
  to have happened.
• Go to clubs or parties with friends you trust and
  agree to look out for one another. Appoint a
  designated sober person one friend who wont
  drink and who will regularly check up on the
  others in your group. Leave parties with people
  you know. Dont leave alone or with someone you
  dont know very well.  

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• http//www.erowid.org/chemicals/ghb/ghb.shtml
• http//www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/ghb.htm
• http//www.dancesafe.org/ghb.html
• http//www.health.org
• http//www.clubdrugs.org/
• http//www.drugs.indiana.edu/druginfo/clubdrugs/

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UNITED STATESARMY CENTER FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE
PROGRAMS
For More Information Contact Your Unit
Prevention Leader, or The Fort Gordon
ASAP 791-4178 / 3674