GHB (Fantasy )
gamma-hydroxy-butyrate; grievous; bodily harm; scoop; somalomax; liquid E; ecstasy; G; gamma; hydroxybutyrate; drugs; drug; fantasy;
Contents
GHB is a colourless and odourless drug with the technical name of gamma hydroxybutyrate. GHB is a depressant drug. Depressants slow down the activity of the brain.
GHB is also known as fantasy, G, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid E or Liquid Ecstasy.
- GHB is usually a liquid, but can be in powder or capsule form.
- It has a bitter or salty flavour similar to the taste of baking soda.
- People usually drink it.
The current main users of fantasy are bodybuilders (it stimulates the release of a growth hormone) and people at dance parties and raves.
The law
It is an illegal (illicit) drug in Australia. The law in Australia states that it is illegal to supply, manufacture, import, possess, sell or use GHB.
A 'date rape' drug
GHB is sometimes used to spike drinks. It can be added to a drink and not be visible or obvious in the drink.
Drinking GHB can make people more at risk of sexual assault because they are less able to keep themselves safe and defend themselves. It is important to never leave a drink unattended when you are out, as this leaves you vulnerable to someone spiking your drink. For more information have a look at the topic 'Drink spiking'.
Effects of GHB
The effects of GHB are dependent on:
- how much of the drug has been taken
- whether it was taken with any other drugs like alcohol
- the health of the person using the drug.
It is difficult to predict the effects for each person using it.
The use of GHB carries a high risk of overdose and can cause coma, respiratory failure and death.
More information
Australian Government - National Drug Campaign
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/drugs/publishing.nsf/
Content/youth-home
Drug Info Clearinghouse (Australian Drug Foundation)
http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au/
Victorian Government - Drugs and alcohol in Victoria
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/drugs/index.htm
Resources in South Australia
- Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA)
Drug & Alcohol Services South Australia offers a range of prevention, treatment, information, education and community-based services for all South Australians.
http://www.dassa.sa.gov.au/
- Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) - 24 hour statewide line - that provides information, counselling and referrals for people with drug problems and concerned friends and family. South Australia callers only.
Ph: 1300 131 340.
http://www.dassa.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=156
- The Second Story Youth Health Service (TSS)
- Central: 57 Hyde St, Adelaide
- South: 50a Beach Rd, Christies Beach
- North: 6 Gillingham Rd, Elizabeth
- West: 51 Bower St, Woodville
http://www.cyh.com/SubContent.aspx?p=223
- Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19
http://www.cyh.com/SubContent.aspx?cp=187&p=222
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).