| GHB
GHB - Gamma Hydroxybutyrate is an odorless, slightly salty substance
primarily found in liquid form, but also (rarely) found as a powder
or capsule. As a result of the Federal Date-Rape Drug Act of 2000,
GHB has become nearly inaccessible in its pure form and has led
to the production of two common alternatives made from industrial
solvents and cleaners. Consequently, most of the GHB purchased in
this country today is probably not pure. GHB and its chemical
relatives are potentially deadly when mixed with K, alcohol, painkillers,
tranquilizers or even antihistamines. Alcohol is especially
dangerous as GHB is an alcohol-based substance and the combination
can exhaust or saturate the metabolic pathway of alcohol causing
sudden overdose. Even when taken alone, too much GHB can put you
at risk for seizures, breathing failure, coma, or death.
How much is too much? Unless you made it yourself, you can't know.
With GHB there's a very small difference between the amount that
gets you high and the amount that makes you sick.
GHB- THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK
All illegal drugs involve serious risks, and we don't condone
the use of any of them. If you are going to use drugs, however,
here are some steps for safer use.
Know your own mind
What works for others may not work for you. If you experience anxiety
attacks GHB and K may seriously upset or disorient you. If you feel
depressed now you might feel even worse coming down.
Don't mix medicines
You don't know what different drugs may do to you when combined
in your body. The matter is complicated by the fact that street
drugs may be cut with one or more other drugs. Mixing drugs may
cause complicated cross reactions and even death. People have died
from mixing GHB, K, ecstasy, and alcohol. Poppers and Viagra are
a particularly deadly combination. Taking recreational drugs together
with protease
inhibitors can also be dangerous.
Think twice before the next hit
Have you really waited long enough since your last hit
of GHB to know how high you are going to feel? Be mindful of the
narrow dosage range between a high and an overdose. Taking just
a little bit more could knock you out.
Remember HIV
Doing drugs brings down barriers. Don't let a condom that
can save your life or someone else's disappear in the process.
Missing something?
If you're on HIV medications, you might not stick to your schedule
while high on GHB. Missing doses allows the virus to mutate and
may lead to drug resistance.
Tell it like it is
If you are in trouble ask a friend or a friendly face for help.
Let your friends know what you’re taking.
© 2003 Gay Men's Health Crisis |
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