Addiction medicine specialist and senior research fellow (clinical trials) at the Centre for Mental Health and Brain Sciences at Swinburne University Professor Edward Ogden says GHB is often misunderstood as a “party drug”.
In reality, it carries a high risk of overdose, rapid dependence and dangerous withdrawal.
“GHB is chemically related to GABA, the brain’s main calming neurotransmitter,” Prof Ogden said.
“That means it can have a very strong sedating effect.
“The problem is that there is only a very small difference between a dose that causes intoxication and a dose that can cause coma, suppress breathing or lead to death.”
Prof Ogden said people could lose consciousness very quickly, an event often referred to by users as a “blowout”.
The drug’s appeal lies in how quickly it takes effect, usually within 10 to 20 minutes.
However, those effects are short-lived.
“Half the drug is gone within an hour, and the effects wear off within a couple of hours,” he said.
“That can leave people craving another dose, not to get intoxicated, but simply to feel normal again.”
This cycle of repeated dosing can escalate rapidly, leading to dependence.
Locally, health services are seeing the consequences of this pattern play out more frequently.
“Across Victoria, including rural areas, we’re seeing increasing ambulance callouts and emergency department presentations related to GHB,” Prof Ogden said.
“That includes collapse, unconsciousness, severe agitation and confusion.”
One of the most serious risks associated with GHB is withdrawal, particularly when people attempt to stop using the drug without medical support.
“GHB withdrawal can resemble severe alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, but it comes on much faster,” Prof Ogden said.
“People can experience anxiety, tremor and insomnia, which can then progress to hallucinations, delirium and seizures.”
He said medical treatment for GHB withdrawal was highly effective and significantly reduced the risk of complications and relapse.
“If someone wants to stop using GHB, the safest step is to seek professional support early, through a GP or a local alcohol and other drug service,” he said.
“If someone becomes unconscious, extremely agitated or seriously unwell, calling emergency services is the right response.”
Prof Ogden’s most important message to the community is that GHB is not a safe or benign substance.
“It is not a harmless party drug, and it’s not a good treatment for anxiety,” he said.
“It works for a very short time, has a high overdose risk, causes rapid dependence and has a dangerous withdrawal syndrome.
“Early intervention saves lives, and effective treatment is available.”
In the Goulburn Valley, support is available through the Goulburn Valley Alcohol and Drug Service, a free service for people aged 16 and over who are affected by alcohol or other drug use, either personally or through a loved one.
GVADS offers a range of treatment options including assessment, counselling, non-residential withdrawal support and a 10-week therapeutic day rehabilitation program. Services are delivered face-to-face, via telehealth and through outreach across the region.
GVADS operates through a partnership between GV Health, The Salvation Army and Odyssey Victoria, and includes access to specialist addiction medicine and mental health expertise.
To access GVADS, community members can contact the Australian Community Support Organisation intake and assessment service on 1300 022 760 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) and request referral to GVADS.
For 24-hour advice and support, DIRECTLINE is available on 1800 888 236.
Support is available, and help can make a critical difference.
