GHB
DepressantsAlso known as: G, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Georgia Home Boy, Grievous Bodily Harm, Goop, Scoop
Medical Review & Editorial Standards
All content is written, edited, and medically reviewed by licensed professionals with expertise in addiction medicine and behavioral health.
Benjamin Zohar
NCACIP
Nationally Certified Advanced Clinical Intervention Professional and recovery advocate in long-term recovery, specializing in intervention services and treatment coordination.
Ezra Zohar, M.S.Ed.
Educational Specialist
Educational Specialist with M.S. in Secondary Education, reviewing educational content focused on addiction awareness and recovery.
Brandon McNally
RN
Registered Nurse with specialized training in addiction medicine and behavioral health nursing.
Last Updated
November 2025
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Call Helpline: (914) 594-5851What is GHB?
GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is a central nervous system depressant that occurs naturally in small amounts in the brain. At low doses it produces euphoria, increased sociability, and reduced inhibitions. At higher doses it causes sedation, unconsciousness, and amnesia. GHB is often manufactured in home labs with widely varying purity and potency. The difference between a dose that produces euphoria and one that causes overdose can be less than one gram, making it extremely dangerous. Like rohypnol, GHB is used in drug-facilitated sexual assaults because it is difficult to detect and causes memory blackouts.
Effects
At low doses: euphoria, increased sociability, relaxation, heightened sensuality. At higher doses: drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, loss of coordination, slowed heart rate, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, seizures, coma
Risks & Dangers
Very narrow margin between desired effects and overdose, sudden unconsciousness, respiratory failure, seizures, coma, death especially when combined with alcohol or other depressants, severe withdrawal syndrome with regular use, being incapacitated and victimized, vomiting while unconscious leading to choking
Withdrawal Symptoms
Severe and potentially life-threatening: insomnia, anxiety, tremors, sweating, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, psychosis, delirium, hallucinations, seizures. Medical supervision absolutely essential - withdrawal can be fatal.
Addiction Potential
Very High - GHB causes severe physical dependence with regular use. Psychological dependence also develops.
Duration
Effects typically last 1.5-4 hours depending on dose
Legal Status
Schedule I controlled substance in the US (except prescription Xyrem for narcolepsy which is Schedule III). Illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess without authorization.
Alcohol Interaction Warning
Mixing GHB with alcohol can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Combining substances increases the risk of:
- • Respiratory depression and overdose
- • Unpredictable effects and loss of consciousness
- • Increased toxicity to liver and other organs
- • Impaired judgment leading to risky behaviors
Learn more about alcohol use disorder and polysubstance use.
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Published: July 15, 2024 • Last Updated: November 25, 2025
Medically reviewed drug information for educational purposes
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