Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, or GHB, is a depressant that affects the central nervous system. It is a substance that exists naturally in the human brain as a neurotransmitter and is a precursor to GABA, glutamate, and glycine in certain brain areas. Historically, GHB has been used in medical settings as a general anesthetic and for treating conditions like narcolepsy and cataplexy. Outside of its prescribed applications, it is also used recreationally.
Recreational Dosage and Measurement
There is no standard recreational dose for GHB, as its effects are sensitive to the amount taken. The substance is most commonly found as a liquid, which is GHB salt dissolved in water, but it can also be a white powder. When in powder form, a common recreational dose ranges from 1.0 to 2.5 grams. For liquid forms, measurement is done in milliliters, and precision is important for safe administration.
Accurate measurement is a factor in consumption due to the substance’s potency. Using tools like a milliliter syringe for liquids or a milligram-calibrated scale for powders is advised over imprecise methods like bottle caps or household spoons. The difference between a dose that provides the desired effects and one that results in an overdose can be less than a single milliliter.
It is important to distinguish GHB from its chemical precursors, gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD). These substances are converted into GHB by the body after ingestion but are more potent. GBL, for instance, is stronger than GHB, and a common recreational dose is smaller, ranging from 0.9 to 1.5 milliliters. Mistaking GBL for GHB and using an equivalent dose can increase the likelihood of overdose.
Expected Effects of a Recreational Dose
When taken in a low recreational dose, GHB produces effects that begin within 15 to 30 minutes of ingestion. The primary experience users seek includes feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and increased sociability. These effects are a result of GHB’s action on specific receptors in the brain, including the GHB receptor and the GABA-B receptor.
At lower concentrations, GHB stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, which contributes to the feeling of well-being. Users report enhanced sensory perception, particularly an increased sense of touch, along with a state of disinhibition similar to that experienced with alcohol. These sensations are accompanied by an increase in libido and empathogenic states.
The duration of these recreational effects is short. The main experience lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours, although this can extend depending on the dose taken. After the initial effects, users return to a normal state without a prolonged comedown. This short half-life is one reason individuals may re-dose within a single session, a practice that carries its own set of risks.
The Fine Line Between Recreation and Overdose
The relationship between the dose of GHB and its effects is characterized by a steep dose-response curve. This means that a minor increase in the amount consumed can shift the outcome from recreational effects to a dangerous overdose. The margin between a common dose of 1 to 2.5 grams and a dose that induces unconsciousness—around 3.5 grams—is narrow, leaving little room for error.
As the dose exceeds the recreational range, the initial symptoms include dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, and a loss of motor coordination. This can progress to extreme sedation referred to as “G-ing out,” where the individual falls into a deep, unresponsive sleep or temporary coma. While in this state, they may appear to be sleeping, but they cannot be easily awakened. This condition resolves on its own as the body metabolizes the substance.
An overdose presents life-threatening conditions. Doses exceeding 7 grams are associated with severe respiratory depression, where breathing becomes dangerously slow or stops. This is accompanied by a slowed heart rate, known as bradycardia, and can lead to seizures, a coma, and potentially death. A significant overdose is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Variables That Alter Dosage and Effects
One of the factors in GHB use is the co-ingestion of other central nervous system depressants, particularly alcohol. Combining GHB with alcohol amplifies the depressant effects of both substances, increasing the risk of severe respiratory depression and vomiting while unconscious, which can be fatal.
An individual’s tolerance level affects how they respond to GHB. With regular use, the body can adapt, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effects. This escalation of dosage moves the user closer to the overdose threshold, increasing the overall risk. Chronic use can lead to dependence, with abrupt cessation causing a withdrawal syndrome that can be severe.
Other individual factors can influence the substance’s impact. Body weight is a consideration, as a smaller person may experience more intense effects from the same dose as a larger person. The presence of food in the stomach can also alter the experience. A full stomach can delay and weaken the absorption of GHB, which may lead an individual to re-dose, a practice that could lead to taking a dangerously high amount.