GHB / GBL:
The Narrowest Window of Any Rave Drug

• Mechanism: GABA-B receptor agonist; also acts at GHB-specific receptors
• Onset: 20–60 minutes (oral)
• Duration: 1.5–3 hours
• Form: Clear, slightly salty liquid; sometimes powder
• Legal status: Schedule I in the US (Schedule III as pharmaceutical Xyrem for narcolepsy); Class C in UK
• Sold as: G, Liquid G, Gina, Georgia Home Boy, Liquid Ecstasy, Grievous Bodily Harm, Fantasy, Blue Nitro, Gamma-OH

• Mechanism: Prodrug — converted to GHB in the body within minutes by lactonase enzymes
• Onset: 15–30 minutes — faster and more abrupt than GHB
• Potency: Approximately 2–3× that of GHB by volume
• Form: Clear, oily liquid with a slightly different smell; also sold as industrial solvent
• Legal status: Legal industrial chemical in many jurisdictions (sold as wheel cleaner, paint stripper, Lactone, Chem) — but controlled in some countries
• Sold as: Lactone, Chem, GBL Cleaner — and sometimes mislabeled as GHB

Never assume GBL is GHB. If you normally dose 1.5ml of GHB, the equivalent GBL dose would be approximately 0.5–0.75ml. Starting with your GHB dose of GBL risks serious overdose.

These assume zero alcohol. Even 1–2 standard drinks can shift the overdose threshold dramatically downward. Individual tolerance varies. If you don't know the concentration of a batch, start at 0.5ml and wait the full onset time before considering more.

GBL onset is faster: 15–30 minutes. Do not redose GBL before 1.5–2 hours and only if effects are fully resolved. Premature redosing combined with delayed onset of the first dose is a frequent cause of accidental overdose.

• Use a 1ml graduated syringe — measure liquid precisely, not by cap or spoon
• Start at 0.5–1ml for any new batch — wait the full onset before any assessment
• Write down your dose and time — impairment affects memory and judgment quickly
• Never share or mix doses — individual tolerance varies; a "standard" dose from someone else may be too much
• Have a sober person present — they can call for help and place you in the recovery position if needed
• Have emergency services number ready — and ensure someone knows what you took

Stimulants may partially mask the sedative effects of GHB, making it harder to judge impairment level. This creates a risk of taking a dangerous additional dose without recognizing existing intoxication. Cardiac stress from stimulant + depressant combination is also a concern.

GHB overdose carries a significant aspiration risk — an unconscious person who vomits can choke. The recovery position is the most important physical intervention.

• Roll the person onto their side (left side preferred)
• Bend the top knee forward to stabilize the position
• Tilt the head back slightly to open the airway
• Clear the mouth of any vomit with your finger if visible
• Monitor breathing continuously until emergency services arrive
• Do not leave the person alone

Good Samaritan laws in most US states protect people who call for help at a drug-related emergency. You will not be prosecuted for calling 911 to report a GHB overdose.

• Call 911 (US) or local emergency number
• Tell them: "I think someone has overdosed on GHB" — this is critical for treatment
• Give your location clearly and stay on the line
• Tell them if alcohol or other drugs were also taken
• There is no antagonist — hospital treatment is supportive (airway management, IV fluids, monitoring)

GHB is metabolized relatively quickly. Most people who receive supportive care recover without permanent injury. Calling early dramatically improves outcomes.

• Do not try to walk them off — physical activity doesn't metabolize GHB and can cause injury
• Do not give them coffee or food — if unconscious, aspiration risk is real
• Do not leave them lying on their back — aspiration risk; use recovery position
• Do not give naloxone — GHB is not an opioid; naloxone will not help
• Do not assume they will "sleep it off" safely — without monitoring, aspiration or respiratory depression can be fatal
• Do not give more stimulants to wake them — this increases cardiovascular risk

GHB acts primarily at GABA-B receptors — the same receptor class involved in alcohol and benzodiazepine dependence. Withdrawal is structurally similar to alcohol or benzo withdrawal and can be severe.

• Mild: Insomnia, anxiety, tremor, sweating, nausea — onset within hours of last dose
• Moderate: Elevated heart rate, hypertension, severe insomnia lasting days
• Severe: Seizures, delirium, psychosis — can be life-threatening
• Rapid onset: Due to GHB's short half-life (30–60 minutes), withdrawal symptoms begin within hours of stopping, even in regular users

Do not stop GHB or GBL abruptly if you use it regularly. Seek medical support. Hospital detox using benzodiazepines (which act on overlapping GABA mechanisms) is the standard approach. SAMHSA helpline: 1-800-662-4357.

GHB and GBL are used in chemsex (drug-facilitated sexual activity) contexts, particularly in MSM (men who have sex with men) communities. The harm reduction considerations differ somewhat in this context:

• The MDMA + GHB combination is common and carries particular cardiovascular and overdose risk
• Consent capacity is significantly impaired at recreational GHB doses — this is legally and ethically important in sexual contexts
• Dosing frequency is higher in chemsex settings, increasing dependence risk
• Sharing without accurate measurement is common — and dangerous
• UK resources: GMFA, GHB Harm Reduction UK