[Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB): more than a date rape drug, a potentially addictive drug].

Abstract

According to available information, GHB and its precursors--gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4BD)--are used especially in a nightlife scene characterized by the search for amplified sensations through the combination of electronic music, marathon dancing, and substance abuse. Evidence indicates that GHB/GHL is used particularly in some subpopulations and in places, such as in gay nightclubs. Commonly known as Gorliquid ecstasy, it was misused in the 1980s for its bodybuilding effects and in the 1990s as a recreational drug at music venues. In the same period, media coverage of the use of GHB in sexual assault (often referred to as date rape) brought the drug into the spotlight. GHB/GHL addiction is a recognized clinical entity evidenced by severe withdrawal symptoms when the drug is abruptly discontinued after regular or chronic use. There is evidence that negative health and social consequences may occur in recreational and chronic users. Nonfatal overdoses and deaths related to GHB have been reported. These undesirable effects and especially the deaths appear to have prompted campaigns to limit the use of GHB. Clinicians must also be aware of GBL, which is being sold and used as a substitute for GHB.

• Authors: Laurent Karila, Johanne Novarin, Bruno Megarbane, Olivier Cottencin, Sylvain Dally, William Lowenstein, Michel Reynaud
• Journal: Presse medicale (Paris, France : 1983) (Presse Med) Vol. 38 Issue 10 Pg. 1526-38 (Oct 2009) ISSN: 2213-0276 [Electronic] France
• Vernacular Title: Acide gamma-hydroxy-butyrique (GHB): plus qu'un agent de soumission chimique, une véritable source d'addiction.
• PMID: 19762202 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Hydroxybutyrates
• 4-hydroxybutyric acid

Topics

• Cognition (drug effects)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Drug Overdose
• European Union (statistics & numerical data)
• Female
• France (epidemiology)
• Humans
• Hydroxybutyrates (adverse effects, pharmacology)
• Male
• Psychoses, Alcoholic (complications)
• Psychoses, Substance-Induced (complications, etiology)
• Rape
• Sexual Behavior (drug effects)
• Substance-Related Disorders (epidemiology)