Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid: Patterns of Use, Effects and Withdrawal

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is gaining popularity as a drug of abuse. Reports of toxicity and lethality associated with GHB use have increased. This survey study was designed to identify patterns of GHB use, its effects, and withdrawal syndrome. A survey inquiring about the effects of GHB was ad...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal on addictions 2001, Vol.10 (3), p.232-241
Main Author: Miotto, Jack Darakjian, Janice Basch, Shanna Murray, Jennifer Zogg, Richard Rawson, Karen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Drug Tolerance
Female
Humans
Male
Sodium Oxybate - adverse effects
Sodium Oxybate - pharmacology
Substance Withdrawal Syndrome - diagnosis
Substance Withdrawal Syndrome - epidemiology
Substance Withdrawal Syndrome - etiology
Substance-Related Disorders - rehabilitation
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary:Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is gaining popularity as a drug of abuse. Reports of toxicity and lethality associated with GHB use have increased. This survey study was designed to identify patterns of GHB use, its effects, and withdrawal syndrome. A survey inquiring about the effects of GHB was administered to 42 users. The results showed that GHB was used to increased feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and sexuality. Adverse effects occurred more frequently in daily users and polydrug users than in occasional GHB users. Loss of consciousness was reported by 66%, overdose by 28%, and amnesia by 13% of participants during GHB use and by 45% after GHB use. Three daily users developed a withdrawal syndrome that presented with anxiety, agitation, tremor, and delirium. Participants described GHB intoxication as having similarities to sedative-hypnotic or alcohol intoxication. Regular use has been shown to produce tolerance and dependence. Participants dependent on GHB reported using multiple daily doses around the clock. High frequency users appeared at the greatest risk for developing withdrawal delirium and psychosis after abrupt discontinuation of GHB use. (Am J Addict 2001;10:232-241)
ISSN:1055-0496
1521-0391
DOI:10.1080/105504901750532111