Ketamine

Psychedelics

Psilocybin

2C-B

Alcohol

MDMA

Nicotine

Kratom

Cocaine

Modafinil

Benzodiazepines

Cannabis

Press

Events

Contact Us

About Us

Privacy Policy and Disclaimer

Parents

Taking them

The Law

Dosing

Getting Them

Withdrawal

Overdose

Addiction

Mental Health

Tolerance

Taking both these drugs should not be harmful. The effects of both drugs are likely to be reduced.

Combining these drugs should not be harmful. However, they will mask each other’s effects, which might increase the risk of overdosing either drug. This combination is also hard on the heart due to each drug’s opposing action (7).

The combination is unlikely to cause any adverse or undesirable reactions beyond those that might ordinarily be expected from taking these drugs individually. Users have reported diminished experiences, thus care should be taken with dosage.

This combination carries a low risk. Aspirin and cannabis are unlikely to cause an adverse or undesirable reaction when used carefully and within the recommended dose.

Cannabis and DMT is not usually a harmful combination, but cannabis has an unexpectedly strong and somewhat unpredictable synergy with psychedelics so beware when mixing these drugs.

There is no evidence to date showing interactions between paracetamol and 2C-B.

This combination is unlikely to cause an adverse or undesirable reaction when used carefully and within the recommended dose.

Taking both these drugs together is likely to cause an effect stronger than taking them individually. If used with care they are unlikely to cause an adverse or undesirable reaction.

We strongly recommend you avoid taking these drugs together, reactions are highly unpredictable and can be fatal. You will likely come to some degree of harm even if you take strong precautions.

Taking the combined oral contraceptive pill and cocaine together is not usually any more harmful than taking them individually. The drugs are not known to interact with each other, each positively or negatively46,47.

Taking both of these drugs together is not usually any more harmful than taking them individually. The drugs are not known to interact with each other, each positively or negatively.

Alcohol and GHB is an unsafe combination. Even in very low doses this rapidly leads to memory loss, severe ataxia and unconsciousness. There is a high risk of vomit aspiration while unconscious.

Be careful when mixing amphetamines and GHB. Stimulants increase respiration rate allowing a higher dose of sedatives. If the stimulant wears off first then the opiate may overcome the patient and cause respiratory arrest.

Avoid benzos if you are taking allergy medicines. benzos and allergy medicines such as Benadryl, Piriton and Clarityn are depressants and both slow down your central nervous system. This can produce heightened side effects such as drowsiness, sedation and poor concentration. In extreme cases, loss of consciousness and may occur.

These two drugs potentiate each other strongly and unpredictably which might lead to memory loss, blackout and respiratory depression.

Using these drugs together can cause an effect stronger than taking them individually, and they aren't likely to cause an adverse or undesirable reaction when used carefully. Additional research should always be done before mixing drugs.

Effects will be stronger than taking either drug alone, however, it’s unlikely that there will be any adverse health reactions to this combination.

The combination is unlikely to cause any adverse or undesirable reactions beyond those that might ordinarily be expected from taking these drugs individually. Users have reported diminished experiences thus care should be taken with dosage.

There is no evidence to date showing interactions between contraceptive pills and cannabis and generally this combination carries a low risk. However, cannabis will often intensify and alter your mood. If your contraception is causing significant changes in your mood, it is advisable to avoid cannabis as it may intensify mood swings.

This combination carries a low risk. Paracetamol and cannabis are unlikely to cause an adverse or undesirable reaction when used carefully and within the recommended dose.

There is no evidence to date showing interactions between paracetamol and LSD. This combination is unlikely to cause an adverse or undesirable reaction when used carefully.

There is no evidence to date showing interactions between allergy medicines and LSD. This combination is unlikely to cause an adverse or undesirable reaction when used carefully.

There is no evidence to date showing interactions between ibuprofen and 2C-B. This combination is unlikely to cause an adverse or undesirable reaction when used carefully.

There is no evidence to date showing interactions between ibuprofen and benzos. This combination is unlikely to cause an adverse or undesirable reaction when used carefully and within the recommended dose.

Using these drugs together can cause an effect stronger than taking them individually, and they aren't likely to cause an adverse or undesirable reaction when used carefully. Additional research should always be done before mixing drugs.

The effects of these two drugs are similar and synergistic, therefore mixing MDMA with 2C-B may increase the intensity of the experience.

Combining kratom with such depressants is contraindicated.Depressants have the same general effects as opiates. Therefore, combining them with kratom can cause a synergy effect of severe sedation, which can feel like overdosing. More sedation and respiratory depression can occur as a result. Memory blackouts are also likely to occur.

_Users report that the two herbs go well with each other, however, moderation is important when combining them. Keeping both doses low helps ensuring that you derive the highest possible positive effects without crossing the line to negative side-effects. You should go particularly light on cannabis dosage. Although rarely, some users report mild effects, such as feeling nauseous, sick and uncomfortable. Stronger side effects include anxiety and dizziness._

Be careful when taking paracetamol and cocaine. Paracetamol may increase the harmful effects of cocaine on the liver4.

Taking both these drugs together may produce unpleasant effects such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. High doses put you at risk. If you mix, start low and go slow

_Kratom leaves produce complex opioid-like analgesic effects, which could be potentiated with the use of ibuprofen._

Amphetamines and DMT is not usually a harmful combination but stimulants generally increase anxiety levels and the risk of thought loops which can lead to negative experiences.

Tricyclics (Amitriptyline, Anafranil, Asendin, Aventyl, Elavil, Endep, Norfranil, Norpramin, Pamelor, Sinequan, Surmontil, Tipramine, Tofranil, and Vivactil) is consistently reported as being very bad in combination with LSD. People attempting this combination are unable to communicate with others, they go into a fugue state where they wander away from home and don't know how they got there, and they are generally in a terrible state psychologically. Life-threatening seizures and at least one death have been reported to be triggered by the combination of LSD and tricyclics. If you are prescribed tricyclics for mental health problems, it is not a good idea to try LSD outside of a supervised medical setting, as it might worsen the symptoms.

Effects are additive. The combination is unlikely to cause any adverse or undesirable reactions beyond those that might ordinarily be expected from taking these drugs individually.

This drug can have anxiogenic (anxiety-creating) effects which may create an unpleasant thoughts and discomfort.

Using these drugs together can cause an effect stronger than desired though they aren't likely to cause a serious adverse reaction if used carefully. Additional research should always be done before mixing drugs.

Using these drugs together can cause an effect stronger than taking them individually, and they aren't likely to cause an adverse or undesirable reaction when used carefully. Additional research should always be done before mixing drugs.

This combination is relatively safe and is unlikely to cause any unwanted effects.

Stimulants should not be combined with kratom, as they further increase the level of stimulation provided by the kratom. This results in the development of potentially severe side effects: anxiety, heart palpitations, excessive sweating, and general agitation. More life-threatening side effects that may result include: increased blood pressure. The lowering of the seizure threshold may also be observed.

Cannabis and mushrooms is not usually a harmful combination, but cannabis has an unexpectedly strong and somewhat unpredictable synergy with psychedelics so beware when mixing these drugs.

The combination is unlikely to cause any adverse or undesirable reactions beyond those that might ordinarily be expected from taking these drugs individually. Benzos lessen the effects of nitrous oxide due to both drugs acting on common receptors.

This combination carries a low risk. Ibuprofen and cannabis are unlikely to cause an adverse or undesirable reaction when used carefully and within the recommended dose.

Cannabis and LSD is not usually a harmful combination, but cannabis has an unexpectedly strong and somewhat unpredictable synergy with psychedelics so beware when mixing these drugs.

These combinations are not usually physically harmful, but may produce undesirable effects, such as physical discomfort or overstimulation. Extreme use may cause physical health issues. Be careful when mixing these drugs.

The effects of mixing these two drugs together can be unpredictable.

There is no evidence to date showing interactions between aspirin and benzos. This combination is unlikely to cause an adverse or undesirable reaction when used carefully and within the recommended dose.

There is a low risk when drinking a moderate amount of alcohol when using the recommended dose of aspirin.

Avoid alcohol if you are taking aspirin for a headache. Alcohol is likely to make a headache worse as it causes dehydration.

2C-X and GHB is not usually a harmful combination, it will tend to decrease the effects of both drugs.

_Reactions and side effects are rare, but using these drugs together can cause an effect stronger than taking them individually, and they aren't likely to cause an adverse or undesirable reaction when used carefully. Kratom’s effects are due primarily to its interaction with mu-receptors in the brain, while SSRIs produce their effects by interacting with the serotonin receptors. It is hypothesized that, since both act on receptors that can sometimes be involved with each other in certain processes, an interaction may or may not occur. Interactions include risks such as_ [_serotonin syndrome_](https://www.mdedge.com/ccjm/article/120386/neurology/serotonin-syndrome-preventing-recognizing-and-treating-it)_. Additional research should always be done before mixing drugs._

[**Tramadol**](https://www.drugs.com/tramadol.html) can result in seizures when taken with LSD, as Tromadol lowers the seizure threshold.

There is no evidence to date showing interactions between ibuprofen and modafinil. This combination is unlikely to cause an adverse or undesirable reaction when used carefully.

Taking aspirin and cocaine together is not usually any more harmful than taking them individually. Aspirin is sometimes [used](https://www.the-hospitalist.org/hospitalist/article/125897/how-should-patient-cocaine-associated-chest-pain-be-treated) by doctors in response to cocaine associated chest pains51,52.

There is no evidence to date showing interactions between ibuprofen and ketamine. This combination is unlikely to cause an adverse or undesirable reaction when used carefully.

Caffeine and GHB have low risk and decreased synergy. Caffeine will mildly hide the depressant effects of GHB leading to a slightly increased risk of overdose.

**Pregnancy and breastfeeding**

Can lead to life-threatening side-effects for the child.

**Heart conditions**

GHB can alter your heart rate in a way that can be life-threatening.

**Epilepsy**

GHB can trigger seizures, especially in those that already suffer from epilepsy but also potentially in anyone who has ever had an epileptic fit.

**Irregular blood pressure**

GHB can alter your blood pressure in a way that can be life-threatening.

**Surgery**

If you are having surgery in less than 2 weeks be careful. GHB can increase the effects of sedation and nerve-numbing medications, increasing the chance of complications during surgery.

**Depression**

AVOID if you suffer from major depression or have a history of depression.

**Respiratory disorders**

GHB is a respiratory depressant and can slow your breathing rate to dangerously low levels.

**References:** [Trade Sexual Health](http://www.tradesexualhealth.com/sexual-health/sex-drugs/ghb.html); [Akins et al.](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19187456); [Drug Bank](https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB01440); [EBM Consult](https://www.ebmconsult.com/articles/monograph-oxybate-xyrem-ghb#jump_ss_104871); [Rx List](https://www.rxlist.com/gamma-hydroxybutyrate_ghb/supplements.htm); [BNF](https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/sodium-oxybate.html#contraIndications)

The effects from a given dose of GHB will vary depending on many factors such as your weight, gender, [metabolism](https://www.pharmacologyeducation.org/pharmacology/drug-metabolism), and [tolerance](https://drugsand.me/en/me/#tolerance) from previous use. GHB’s effects vary widely, with smaller doses being more stimulating and higher doses being more sedative. It’s best to start low and go slow. Read our section on [dosing](https://drugsand.me/en/me/#dosing) for more information.

Here you can find the most common effects of GHB; this list is not definitive, nor exhaustive. You may not experience all these effects, nor the same every time, and your friends around you may have a vastly different experience. **Remember, the likelihood of experiencing negative effects is much greater at high doses.**

The effects are (from positive to negative):

>>>effects 
++ Relaxation  
++ Increased sex drive  
++ Euphoria  
++ Increased confidence

== Lowered body temperature  
== Sweating  
== Drowsiness
== Loss of inhibitions  

-- Confusion  
-- Exhaustion  
-- Hallucinations  
-- Nausea  
-- Tremors  
-- Amnesia  
-- Loss of consciousness
<<<
   
**References:** [NHS](https://www.letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk/other-services/chemsex-support/ghbgbl-g/); [Drugs.ie](http://drugs.ie/drugtypes/drug/ghb_or_gbl); [drugs.com](https://www.drugs.com/illicit/ghb.html); [adf.org.au](https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/ghb/); [Busardo & Jones](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462042/)

### How? How Much GHB? When? For how Long?

The way you consume GHB can vastly impact the experience. The same applies to the dose taken, and even then the effects of GHB will vary depending on many factors such as your weight, gender, [metabolism](https://www.pharmacologyeducation.org/pharmacology/drug-metabolism), and [tolerance](https://drugsand.me/en/me/#tolerance) from previous use. Read our section on [dosing](https://drugsand.me/en/me/#dosing) for more information.

ALWAYS carefully measure GHB using a pipette, syringe or scales, and keep a note of the time you took the dose to help you with appropriate and safe redosing. GHB is a powerful drug that can go wrong very easily. It’s essential to your safety that you know exactly how much you are taking.

There is no standard dosage, and it can be difficult to identify your ideal dose the first time you take GHB. It’s most commonly sold as a concentrated liquid but can be sold in other forms. It’s best to dilute GHB in water to make dosing easier and it will be very unpleasant to take if you don’t. There are can mere millimetres between a safe dose and a fatal dose. The best course of action is to **start low and go slow.**

### Forms of GHB

**Liquid **
Most common form. A concentrated liquid, odourless and colourless, **must be further diluted**.

**Capsules**  
More common

**Tablets**  
Less common

**Powder**
Rarely seen, a white powder

### How you take GHB matters...

**Orally** - drinking, swallowing pills

Works for liquid and powdered GHB. You should always dilute in water to help with dosage and reduce the likelihood of tissue damage.

**Rectally** - suppositories, shelving/boofing, booty bump

Works for liquid and powdered GHB. You should always dilute in water to help with dosage and reduce the likelihood of tissue damage.

**Intravenously** - injection

We strongly recommend avoiding injection, it can be very dangerous, but if you do still decide to inject, dilute the GHB, use clean equipment, and do not share needles.

### How much GHB?

Dosing is crucial with GHB. Just a small amount too much can cause an overdose, especially if it might be GBL instead of GHB. Starting with a small, cautious dose is safest with this substance. Everybody's threshold is different, and bodyweight is a significant factor in the dose to effect ratio (if you weigh less, then your ideal dose is likely to be smaller).

GHB is most commonly sold as a concentrated liquid but can be sold in other forms. It’s best to dilute GHB in water to make dosing easier and it will be very unpleasant to take if you don’t. There’s no standard dosage, and it can be difficult to identify your ideal dose the first time you take it, so **start low and go slow.**

Low: 0.5-1g | 0.25ml

Medium (common): 1-2.5g | 0.5-1.5ml

High: 2-4g | >1.5ml

### When do the effects of GHB kick in and for how long?

Onset: 5 - 20 minutes

Duration: 3 - 4 hours

After-effects/come-down: 1-3 hours after your last dose

**Re-dosing**

Experienced: wait at least 90 minutes

Occasional: wait 2-2.5 hours

Beginner: wait 3 hours

References [NHS](https://www.letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk/other-services/chemsex-support/ghbgbl-g/); [Drugs.ie](http://drugs.ie/drugtypes/drug/ghb_or_gbl);[drugs.com](https://www.drugs.com/illicit/ghb.html); [adf.org.au](https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/ghb/); [Trade Sexual Health](http://www.tradesexualhealth.com/sexual-health/sex-drugs/ghb.html); [Drugrehab.com](https://www.drugrehab.com/addiction/drugs/ghb/overdose/); [Psychonaut Wik](https://psychonautwiki.org/wiki/GHB)i; [DanceSafe](https://dancesafe.org/ghb/); [Toronto Vibe](http://torontovibe.com/routes-of-administration/); [Hilary Agro](https://hilaryagro.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/alright-lets-talk-about-ghb-a-users-guide/); [Erowid](https://erowid.org/chemicals/ghb/ghb_dose.shtml); [Broke-ass Stuart](https://brokeassstuart.com/2017/03/30/how-to-responsibly-dose-ghb-or-gbl/); [GDS](https://www.globaldrugsurvey.com/gds-2018/ghb-1-in-5-pass-out-each-year-women-are-more-at-risk-than-men/); [WHO](https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/quality_safety/4_3_Review.pdf); [FridayMonday](https://www.fridaymonday.org.uk/taking-drugs/reducing-risks-with-g/)

### Overdosing

Taking too much GHB can be fatal, especially when you mix GHB with alcohol, other depressants like benzos or K, antihistamines, HIV medications and a few more.

Here’s what to look out for, both internal and external, so that you can tell if someone is overdosing. If anyone you’re with begins to display these signs, put them in the [recovery position](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/first-aid/recovery-position/) and call the emergency services immediately.  

**Internal signs:**

- Blackouts and memory loss
- Dizziness

**External signs:**

- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Irregular or shallow breathing (less than 8 breaths per minute)
- Seizures
- Persistent unconsciousness, lasting for more than 2 hours  
    
**References:** [NHS](https://www.letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk/other-services/chemsex-support/ghbgbl-g/);[drugs.com](https://www.drugs.com/illicit/ghb.html); [adf.org.au](https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/ghb/); [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/nov/24/club-drug-ghb-melts-plastic-kill); [Trade Sexual Health](http://www.tradesexualhealth.com/sexual-health/sex-drugs/ghb.html); [drugrehab.com](https://www.drugrehab.com/addiction/drugs/ghb/overdose/)

If there’s one thing that can really be dangerous, it’s mixing drugs. We’ve compiled here the safety profiles of various mixes with GHB (legal and illegal) but don’t swear by them. As with all matters drug-related, everyone is different and you can very easily experience an unexpected adverse reaction. If you’re taking medication, you need to be extremely wary when taking illegal drugs. Their interactions with prescribed medication are often poorly researched and you will definitely not be warned by your doctor about it.

Drugs are dangerous. Really, we should just avoid them, that much is true. But if you are going to take GHB then there are certain precautions that can reduce that risk. We’ve separated these into tips for preparing yourself beforehand, taking care of yourself and others during, and ways to mitigate the after-effects once the GHB has worn out.

>>> tabs 
# Before 

### Before

- **Have a buddy.** Have a trusted friend with you who knows what you’ve taken and can look out for you. If this is not possible, at least make sure to tell someone so that they can know to check in on you by text.
- **Set and setting.** Make sure that you’re in the right headspace before taking GHB. Choosing where you do it carefully is also paramount. Avoid unfamiliar places, especially if you’re not experienced.
- **Clear up your place.** GHB makes people clumsy so remove breakable objects, create a clear space, and use plastic bottles to make your life easier.
- **Make sure you’ve eaten.** Having an empty stomach increases your chances of overdosing or going under.
- **Get accurate dosing equipment.** A 2mL syringe is the most accurate but a pipette will also do.
- **Mark bottles and syringes.** Make sure anything with GHB in it is clearly labelled and mark your syringes with tape because GHB can erase ink.

# During 

- **Avoid depressants.** DO NOT mix GHB (and GBL) with alcohol, ketamine, benzodiazepines, tranquilisers, sleeping pills or any other depressants. They increase your risk of overdosing or going under.
- **Measure your dose accurately.** Use a small (2ml or less) syringe, this is the most accurate method. You can use a pipette if you don’t have a syringe, but make sure to leave enough time between your doses.
- **Think about your stuff!** A fanny pack, cloak room, or friend’s drawer are all good ways of losing your belongings.
- **Safe sex.** GHB increases sex drive, and plenty of people take it purely for this reason (find out more about [what chemsex is](https://www.davidstuart.org/what-is-chemsex)). Make sure to practice safe, consensual sex with condoms.
- **Keep time.** Keep a note of the time you took your dose to refer to if you’re considering re-dosing. Having a watch is a good idea to avoid losing your phone.
- **Dosing.** Start low and go slow, see How much for more information. Do not redose within an hour of taking your last dose. GHB can quickly turn from good time to hospital time.
- **Look out for overdose symptoms.** If you do feel overly sleepy or concerned, tell a friend. Check the effects section for more info.

# After

- **Avoid frequent use.** Regular use of GHB can lead to addiction and withdrawal. Avoid taking GHB for more than 2 days in a row.
- **Watch out for withdrawal.** Sudden GHB withdrawal can bring about severe and unpleasant symptoms, some of which can be life-altering or fatal. Visit our withdrawal section for more info.
- **Get yourself tested.** If you’ve had unprotected sex or cannot remember if you used protection, get tested for STIs to stay safe and healthy
- **Eat well and rest.** Get lots of sleep and eat nutritious foods to help your body recover
- **Avoid drugs and alcohol**. Drugs and alcohol won’t ease your comedown, they’ll just mask the symptoms and drain your body more.
- **Take a decent break.** Giving your body time to fully replenish the bliss-inducing chemicals released by GHB can make your recovery easier.
<<<
  
**References:** [Busardo & Jones 2015](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462042/); [Trade Sexual Health](http://www.tradesexualhealth.com/sexual-health/sex-drugs/ghb.html); [Hilary Agro](https://hilaryagro.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/alright-lets-talk-about-ghb-a-users-guide/); [FridayMonday](https://www.fridaymonday.org.uk/taking-drugs/reducing-risks-with-g/)

### GHB addiction

As use of GHB became more prevalent, a picture emerged showing that GHB can be highly addictive. Studies have shown that frequent, heavy use over a few weeks can lead to a physical dependence. It’s unclear why some people will develop an addiction and others won’t, but there is a risk of addiction for anyone who takes GHB regularly.

Many people with a GHB addiction are unable to see that their habit has gone from controlled to excessive. The typical symptoms of GHB addiction listed below, if you notice these symptoms in yourself or a friend, help is needed.

- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Thinking about taking GHB regularly
- Taking GHB regularly, once every few days or daily
- Ignoring the negative side effects of GHB
- Making GHB use a priority
- Neglecting your family and friends, to take GHB
- You need more GHB to feel its effects

There’s no official or recommended method for treating a GHB addiction. However, if you’re planning on coming off GHB and you’ve been taking it for a while, it’s best to slowly reduce your GHB intake. Take a smaller dose less frequently each week until you’ve reduced your dose to zero. This is currently the safest way to quit GHB; NEVER quit cold-turkey because the withdrawal symptoms can be fatal.

Talk to your doctor about coming off GHB, they can often provide a good insight and point you towards the best support centres in your area. It’s also important to be honest with your family and friends about your addiction, if they don’t know how can they help you stay off GHB and support you in your recovery?  

**References:** [Brunt et al., 2014](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24001290); [Project GHB](http://www.projectghb.org/ghb-addiction); [drugrehab.com](https://www.drugrehab.com/addiction/drugs/ghb/)

### GHB Withdrawal

Taking GHB consistently then suddenly stopping can induce withdrawal. For some people, this can come on after just 7 days of persistent use. If you use GHB heavily for long periods of time, you MUST NOT quit cold-turkey. Your withdrawal symptoms will be more intense and can be life-threatening, see our section about GHB addiction if you’re planning to quit GHB.

Symptoms of withdrawal can come on a few hours to several days after the last dose of GHB and they usually last for 12 days but sometimes longer. Some people can continue to experience some withdrawal symptoms, like anxiety, depression and insomnia, for months or even years after their last dose of GHB.

#### Symptoms:

**Mild**

- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Elevated hr
- Sweating

**Moderate**

- Elevated bp
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhoea

**Severe**

- Confusion and paranoia
- Delirium
- Hallucinations
- Seizures

**Less common**

- Lack of appetite
- Nightmares
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory problems
- Increased sensitivity to touch and sound
- Elevated body temp
- Dehydration

**References:** [Busardo & Jones 2015](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4462042/); [Brunt et al., 2014](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24001290); [Kamal et al., 2016](https://www.karger.com/Article/PDF/443173); [drugrehab.com](https://www.drugrehab.com/addiction/drugs/ghb/withdrawal/); [Perez et al., 2006](https://www.annemergmed.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0196-0644%2806%2900692-5); [Wojtowicz et al., 2008](https://www.annemergmed.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0196-0644%2806%2900692-5)

Sometimes the drugs we think we are buying turn out to be something very different. Knowing the common substitutes that dealers swap them for or adulterants they add in is an easy way to protect yourself and your friends.

GBL (γ-butyrolactone) and BD (1,4-butanediol) are often sold as GHB because they aren’t as easy to regulate, being legitimately sold as cleaning solvents. Both are **much** stronger than GHB. This makes it very dangerous to take the same dose of these as you would GHB. If you can't test your GHB to see if it could be GBL or BD, take a half or third dose and wait at least an hour before taking any more.

GHB is sometimes thought to be similar to MDMA due to its name, “liquid ecstasy”. It is, however, a completely different chemical, with its own complex set of effects, dose ranges and interactions with other drugs.  

**Reference:** [Drugs.ie](http://drugs.ie/drugtypes/drug/ghb_or_gbl)

### Europe

#### United Kingdom

GHB is a class C drug, making it illegal to possess purchase or sell.

#### Germany

GHB is prescription-only (listed in Anlage III of the BtMG).

#### France

#### Netherlands

GHB is banned and is on list 1 of the Opium Act. Producing, trading or possession is prohibited.

#### Portugal

Decriminalized drug possession in quantities for personal use

#### Russia

### Americas

#### USA

GHB is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Illegal to possess purchase or sell.

#### Canada

GHB is listed as a schedule 1 drug. Illegal to possess purchase or sell.

### Asia and Australasia

#### Australia

Illegal

#### New Zealand

Illegal.

#### Singapore

Illegal

#### Hong Kong

Illegal

#### Israel

Illegal

### FAQs

#### How often can I take it?

**Avoid frequent use.** Regular use of GHB can lead to addiction and withdrawal. Avoid taking GHB for more than 2 days in a row.

#### How long with it stay in my system?

The amount of time that GHB will be detectable in your system depends on a huge variety of factors, such as age, gender, BMI, frequency and volume of use etc, making it hard to determine this precisely. Urine and hair are the most common type of workplace testing.

Don’t trust “drug detox” kits, they are completely unregulated and will often encourage drinking large quantities of water, which can damage your kidneys. GHB is absorbed and broken down by your body very quickly. This means that, aside from in your hair, it isn’t detectable in your body for very long. The table below gives you some estimates, but it’s always best to be cautious.

Hair → Up to 1 month

Urine → 3 days

Saliva → 6 hours

Blood → 8 hours

**References:** [Clin Lab Navigator](https://www.clinlabnavigator.com/date-rape-drugs.html); [Oxford Treatment](https://www.oxfordtreatment.com/substance-abuse/ghb/in-system/); [American Addiction Centers](https://americanaddictioncenters.org/ghb-abused/how-long-in-system); [drugrehab.com](https://www.drugrehab.com/addiction/drugs/ghb/length-in-system/)

### Useful links

_The Conversation_ - [GHB, a party drug that’s easy to overdose on but was once used in childbirth](https://theconversation.com/weekly-dose-ghb-a-party-drug-thats-easy-to-overdose-on-but-was-once-used-in-childbirth-73266)

_Hilary Agro_ - [Alright, let’s talk about GHB: A user’s guide.](https://hilaryagro.wordpress.com/2017/04/12/alright-lets-talk-about-ghb-a-users-guide/)

_Let’s Talk About It_ - [“G”](https://www.letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk/other-services/chemsex-support/ghbgbl-g/)

[Project GHB](http://www.projectghb.org/content/what-ghb)



Alcohol, ketamine, benzos, tranquilisers, any drug that depresses your Central Nervous System will increase the likelihood of overdosing.

Avoid depressants

Measure GHB using a pipette or syringe, and keep a note of the time you took the dose to help you with appropriate and safe redosing.

Dose accurately

Since GHB has such a small window for dosage it can be useful to keep track with a pen on the back of your hand.

GHB

{G, Liquid E/X, Fantasy, Goop, Salty Water, Soap, Easy Lay, Everclear, Cherry Meth}

Dangerous conditions