GHB

Published on January 8, 2026 at 3:00 / Updated on January 20, 2026 at 8:00

Common names	Terms commonly used to refer to the substance: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, G, easy lay, liquid ecstasy, liquid X, grievous bodily harm, fantasy.
Classification	Depressant: That term refers to a substance that slows brain function. It can reduce the brain's overall activity and alertness, and can have a calming effect.
Mechanism of action	GHB interacts with GABA receptors. GABA is a chemical substance in the brain that could be compared to a brake. By binding to these receptors, GHB slows the brain and produces a calming effect, like GABA.
Routes of administration	Ingested (often dissolved in an alcoholic drink)

Effects sought out by the user

Loss of discomfort
Euphoria (intense sense of well-being)
Nonchalance
Relaxation and calmness

Common adverse effects

Altered attention, judgment and mood
Short-term memory loss
Confusion and disorientation
Sexual problems
Decreased heart rate
Reduced blood pressure
Lack of coordination

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Sleepiness
Muscle spasms
Tremors
Vertigo
Blurred vision

Overdose effects

GHB overdoses are common. This drug is often blended with other substances, such as alcohol. In this case, the effects of both substances add up, increasing the risk of severe overdose.

The following symptoms could indicate a GHB overdose:

Coma
Hypothermia (drop in body temperature)
Respiratory depression or respiratory arrest
Decreased heart rate

Convulsions
Hallucinations
Loss of consciousness
Death

Tolerance (need to increase the dose to feel the same effect)

Yes

Addiction

Yes, physical.

Withdrawal

Yes, if discontinuation is abrupt and the user has taken repeated high doses. Withdrawal can last about 5 to 15 days or longer and can be extremely dangerous for the user (potentially fatal).

Here are the main withdrawal symptoms:

Anxiety
Sleep problems (e.g., insomnia)
Tremors and muscle cramps
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Altered heart rate (increased or decreased)

Paranoia
Agitation
Hallucinations (visual and auditory)
Hypertension

Onset and duration of action
Route of administration	Onset of action	Peak	Duration of action
Oral	5 to 30 minutes	30 to 60 minutes	1 to 6 hours (usually 2 to 4 hours)

Screening

Blood: GHB is no longer detectable in the blood after 4 to 8 hours.
Urine: GHB is no longer detectable in urine after 8 to 12 hours.

Intoxication management

No antidote is available.
Treatment is mainly symptomatic.

Other useful information

GHB is used as a party drug. However, it is also used to commit crimes, hence its nickname "date rape drug". It is often slipped into alcoholic drinks at social events. It takes effect quickly and causes memory loss, loss of sexual inhibitions and a state similar to drunkenness, which explains why it is sometimes associated with sexual assaults. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of being drugged with GHB:

Watch your drink
Surround yourself with trusted friends
Only drink beverages that have been prepared in front of you

Many different street drugs are sold under the same name. Furthermore, nothing guarantees the quantity, purity or even the content of a street drug in spite of the fact that it may, in some cases, look like medication.

If you need help or want to learn more:

Government of Canada

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