GHB Essay, Research Paper
GHB, or gamma hydroxybutyrate, is a central nervous system depressant which can relax or sedate the body that is usually given in a clear liquid form that looks just like water and is usually found in small bottles, like empty Visine bottles, Gatorade bottles, or old water bottles. GHB can also come in the form of a light-colored power, which you mix into soda, alcohol, or water.
GHB is relatively cheap, $5-$10 dollars a capful or teaspoonful, and the intoxicating effects usually takes place within 10 to 20 minutes, lasting up to 4 hours, depending on the amount of GHB taken.
There?s very little information about GHB?s effects on any one body type. “A dose that might make a 150-pound girl high could kill a 300-pound man. And the dose that made you high yesterday might kill you today.” Porrata, a rave drug specialist and former narcotics detective states.
Some of the known side effects of GHB involve intoxication, talking, increased energy, happiness, desire to socialize, sensuality, possible nausea, enhanced sexual experience, feeling playful or affectionate, loss of gag reflex, loss of coordination due to loss of muscle tone, mild disinhibition, or the feeling of freedom; exposure, delusions, depression, dizziness, hallucinations, seizures, low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, or difficulty concentrating. Some of the more serious effects include amnesia, vomiting, respiratory problems, loss of conscienceness, being conscience but unable to move, rambling incoherent speech, sedation, disinhibition, giddiness, silliness, desire to sleep, passing out, and death, especially when GHB is mixed with alcohol or other drugs!
Some of the slang words used for GHB are Grievous Bodi
GHB got the name “the date rape drug” because emergency room patients have been raped while intoxicated by the drug; had it slipped into their drink. It is very difficult for ER doctors to diagnose patients before it?s too late because GHB usually leaves the body within 12 hours. However, where as older GHB detection tests used to take several millimeters of urine and up to a days worth of lab testing, a new test had been developed which takes about 3 hours for results and only a few drops of urine.
Unless you?re intentionally taking GHB, protect yourself and others you are with by:
Not excepting drinks from strangers.
Not leaving your drink unattended while at a party or rave, or anywhere for that matter.
Steering clear from open drinks, such as punch bowls. Stick to cans or bottles if you?re going to drink.
Be aware of GHB and know the signs; have a designated person watch you and if you, or anyone is feeling light-headed, dizzy, or feel as though your limbs are heavy, GET HELP! Particularly when milder symptoms get worse!
Be weary of people who aren?t trust-worthy.
The most common mistake made with intoxication of GHB is people neglecting to get help and believing a person who is sick will sleep it off… they may never wake up if they aren?t treated., which is why over the last nine years, there?s been an estimated 5,700 reported cases of people who?ve overdosed on GHB and 65 who have died.