GHB is known by the chemical name of gamma hydroxyhutyrate, typically the drug is an odorless, colorless liquid with a slightly salty flavor. Known as a "club drug," GHB is growing in use among high school and college students. The club drugs include MDMA or ecstasy, ketamine (special K), somatomax, and crystal methamphetamine. The drug is qualified as a sedative and is used in the United Kingdom as a general anesthetic and in the United States for the medical treatment of narcopelpsy.

GHB is also known as the "date rape" drug because it can be slipped into someones drink and cause dizziness, confusion, drowsiness and memory loss. When combined with alcohol, GHB can become especially dangerous because the overdose potential is considerably higher. Prior to GHB becoming a controlled substance, it was used as an "herbal" supplement and marketed for bodybuilders.

The effects of GHB on neurochemistry are not known, but very small doses have the potential to be fatal. Though generally consumed in liquid form, GHB can also be administered in powder form, tablets or capsules. How people react to GHB will vary and the effects of the drug begin to show up within 10-20 minutes of taking it and can last for a duration of up to 4 hours. The potential for GHB addiction is high because of the feelings of euphoria and lack of inhibition users experience.

People also take GHB to experience hallucinations and feelings of relaxation, which only increases the appeal and propensity for GHB addiction. People who regularly use GHB report feelings of increased energy, increasing affection and sociability,an increase in orgasms and an enhanced sexual experience.

However, there are serious side effects that can be experienced with GHB addiction which include excessive vomiting, memory loss, very slow breathing, slowed heart rate, severe headaches, anxiety, tremors, profuse sweating, loss of consciousness, respiratory depression, convulsions and possibly death. Because of the high risk of overdose, GHB is considered to be one of the most dangerous of all club drugs in terms of dire consequences.

Because GHB is metabolized so quickly within the body, long term GHB addiction can be hard to detect using regular medical tests. While no long term studies have yet been conducted, the effects of GHB on the body are not yet known, however, researchers feel that because of the powerful sedative effects it is thought the drug can affect the memory and learning functions of the brain.

Recent studies have shown that when used over extended periods of time GHB addiction is highly possible. Some of the signs of addiction to GHB include using more and more of the drug to achieve the same effect, frequent use, avoiding work or school to participate in drug use, mood swings, trouble sleeping and headaches. Experiencing withdrawal is one sign of an addiction to GHB that should not be ignored, while there is a lack of direct medical research done on the topic, it is thought recovery from an addiction to GHB can be harder than kicking cocaine or heroin.

If you or someone you love is experiencing an addiction to GHB, contact the admissions office of Transformations Treatment Center today for help.