G (GHB/GBL)

G (GHB/GBL)

This information has been provided as part of Sex, Drugs & Care 4 All (SDC4ALL) -  a collaborative programme between The Love Tank and Antidote. It brings together everything we do to support safer, more informed, and more compassionate approaches to chems use within queer and trans communities.

You can download a PDF version of this information here

What is GHB/GBL?

• GHB and GBL - usually just called G - are closely related drugs with sedative effects.
• They usually come as a clear liquid, which is then mixed into a drink.
• G can make us feel horny, more sociable, less inhibited and a bit euphoric.
• GBL has an identical effect to GHB (it’s converted into GHB in the body) but GBL is two or three times stronger than GHB.
• If someone isn’t sure whether what they’re using is GHB or GBL, it’s safer to assume it’s GBL at first and use light doses to begin with.

Risk

• Using G can be fun but it’s crucial to use it safely. Overdosing on G can lead to unconsciousness - sometimes called ‘G-ing out’ or ‘going under’ - and can be fatal.
• Mixing G with other drugs that are depressants dangerously increases risk of overdose. This means it’s really important to avoid mixing G with ‘downers’ or depressants like: alcohol, ketamine, diazepam, benzos, sleeping pills, sedatives, opiates (like tramadol), and antihistamines.
• The difference between a safe dose and an overdose of G can be really small. This means it’s also really important to measure doses carefully with a pipette or syringe and space them out properly.
• Lots of people don’t know that G is addictive.
• If someone is using G regularly, they can build up a tolerance and need to use higher doses every time to feel high. Dosing G regularly can make someone physically addicted.
• Taking regular breaks from using G, or limiting the amount or amount of times it’s used every month, can help someone avoid developing an addiction and keep their tolerance lower.
• If someone is addicted to G and stops using it suddenly, they might experience withdrawal symptoms including: high heart rate, sweating, nausea, loss of appetite, hallucinations and anxiety or paranoia.
• Withdrawal can be life-threatening.
• If you or someone you’re with is experiencing withdrawal symptoms, seek medical attention at accident and emergency (A&E) at a hospital or call an ambulance.

Dosing

• G is usually taken by mixing it with a small amount of a soft drink (like cola or lemonade). It tastes bitter and can be harsh on the teeth, so it’s good to have another soft drink on hand to wash it down with.
• Because it’s easy to overdose, it’s really important to measure G doses. A syringe or a pipette can be used to do this. They can be easily bought online or at pharmacies.
• The right dose of G depends on a number of factors, including someone’s experience using it.
• It’s always safest for someone to start with a lower dose to figure out what dose is best for them.
• If you’re using G, try not to let someone else measure it out so you can stay in full control of how much you’re taking.
• Roughly, a light dose of G is 0.3-0.9 mL.
• A common dose (for experienced users) is 0.9-1.5mL.
• After a dose of G, it’s important to wait a while before taking another dose.
• Wait between one hour and 90 minutes before taking another dose.
• The best way to keep track of this is to run a stopwatch on a phone or to make a note somewhere of the time of the last dose.

Other tips

• Sometimes people prepare a dose of G and forget to take it, or might be preparing doses and get confused about which drink it was put in.
• If you’re taking G and you’re unsure whether a drink contains G or not, throw it away and don’t drink it!
• It’s always safer to err on the side of caution than risk accidentally overdosing and ruining a night.
• Some people add a few drops of food colouring - usually green - to their G before they leave the house.
• This way, someone can easily identify if some drinks (like a clear lemonade) have a dose of G in it.

Sex and consent

• G can reduce inhibitions.
• If you’re having sex on G or planning to, it’s a good idea to think about setting boundaries - with yourself and anyone you’re having sex with - about what you want to or don’t want to (or will or won’t) do.
• Make sure you always have verbal consent from anyone you’re having sex with when you’re using G and never have sex with someone if they can’t verbally or properly consent (for instance, if they start to pass out or go under or are non-responsive or slurring).
• If someone is having sex while using G, it’s also a good idea for them to stay on top of their sexual health.
• Stay consistent with HIV meds or HIV PrEP and consider other ways of preventing sexually transmitted infections like using DoxyPEP, getting tested regularly, and getting vaccinated.

Download a Reduction Diary if you want to slowly and safely reduce your G use at home, or if you want to stabilise your use for safety or before a detox.

If you feel unwell or worried about your withdrawals and your health or safety, you ought to go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Department. 

When to call an ambulance: 

If you're present with someone who may have taken too much G, here are some guidelines on when to call an ambulance. Medical staff are
only interested in a patient's health, not the criminal implications. Don't hesitate to phone 999.

You can access a list of our services or contact us by email to discuss your needs: antidote@londonfriend.org.uk.