GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) is an illegal drug often found around at:
It's known as a 'date rape' drug. This is because it's hard to detect if it's slipped into your drink.
GHB was originally made for use as an anaesthetic. It's a central nervous system depressant. This means that it slows down brain activity and can make you feel relaxed and drowsy.
GHB is usually a colourless liquid. Sometimes, it can be bright blue in colour. In this form it's often known as blue nitro. It can also come as a pale powder or crystals.
GHB has no smell and can be bitter or salty tasting. It can be:
GHB is also known by other names, such as:
Although GHB is sometimes called liquid ecstasy, it's not chemically related to the drug ecstasy (MDMA).
The effects of GHB start after about 5 to 20 minutes. They can last for up to 4 hours.
If you take GHB you may:
The way GHB affects you can depend on:
If you use GHB you can get unwanted effects, such as:
If you use GHB, you may also hallucinate.
GHB is linked to date rape and sexual assaults as it can be used to spike drinks. It's hard to detect in drinks.
GHB makes you unable to remember much of what happened while you were affected.
It's very easy to overdose on GHB, especially if taken with alcohol. Even small amounts can cause an overdose.
Signs someone has overdosed on GHB are if they:
An overdose can cause:
Ambulance officers can help you without calling the police.
A GHB overdose may need treatment in hospital. You may need help with breathing and treatment to help circulation.
Find out more about party drugs, such as where to find help and support.
Sometimes GHB contains sodium hydroxide. This can damage and burn your mouth.
There are now pill testing or drug checking centres in some parts of Australia. These services can help you find out if a drug is mixed with other substances or is very strong. This knowledge can help you reduce your chance of harm.
Using GHB long term can cause:
It's dangerous to take GHB along with other things that slow the central nervous system. This includes alcohol and some prescription medicines.
Taking GHB with:
Regular users of GHB can develop a tolerance to the drug very quickly. This means you need more of the drug to get the same effects.
If you are dependent on GHB, you may have withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if you have used GHB for a long time, and then try to stop using the drug.
Symptoms start about 6 to 72 hours after the last dose, and often last for 5 to 15 days. They include:
People who suddenly stop GHB after using high doses long-term can have serious complications, such as:
Because of this, it is best to speak to a doctor if you want to stop using GHB.
You can also become addicted to GHB. This is when you find it hard to stop using the drug or control how much you use. Addiction can have negative outcomes for your:
Find out more about how drugs and alcohol can impact your health.
Getting off GHB can be hard. Speak to your doctor first — they can provide options for safely getting off GHB, such as:
You can get support and more information about GHB from these organisations:
If you inject GHB or other drugs, you can attend a needle and syringe program (NSP). These programs provide clean needles or syringes to people who inject drugs.
These 'needle exchange' services can help reduce your risk of blood-borne disease. Some pharmacies run an NSP.
You can also find a local needle and syringe program using the healthdirect Service Finder. Select 'By name' and type 'needle' into the search bar.
If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, there are some organisations that can help.
You can visit the Health Translations Victoria website (Opens in new tab). Look for the 'Where can I get help when alcohol or drugs are a problem?' video. This is available in several languages.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Find out how we develop and review our content.
Last reviewed: February 2025
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