Liquid ecstasy is just one of several names for GHB, a popular party drug that has many side effects that can become dangerous under certain circumstances. Here’s what you need to know if you are using GHB now or are considering doing so in the future.
What Is Liquid Ecstasy?
GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is available in legal form as Xyrem, which treats muscle weakness associated with narcolepsy, as well as daytime sleepiness associated with the condition. Gamma butyrolactone can be used to make GHB.
GHB in its liquid form is colorless and clear and produced illegally by labs, and it is then passed to individuals for sale at bars and raves at $5 to $25 per capful or per powder packet, which can be dissolved in alcohol, juice, or water.
Street names for GHB liquid include Scoop, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid X, and G. Despite the reference to Ecstasy in one of its street names, GHB is actually a completely different drug.
The Side Effects of Liquid Ecstasy
GHB provides users with a long-lasting “high” of between three and six hours. About 15 to 30 minutes after taking GHB, a person experiences feelings of relaxation, euphoria, sociability, and confidence. The drug also decreases inhibition, increases sex drive, and heightens sensitivity to touch.
However, in addition to the above, those who take GHB can experience a wide range of negative, dangerous, and sometimes fatal effects. One of the most dangerous effects of GHB lies in its dosage; only a small amount is needed. The slightest increase in the amount of GHB taken can dramatically increase the sedative and other effects of the drug, which include:
- Tunnel vision
- Tremors
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Loss of coordination
- Irritation
- Coma
- Respiratory arrest
- Death
GHB also has a range of dangerous side effects for those who take the drug on a regular basis. A common side effect is increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as tremors and insomnia. You may also experience symptoms like psychotic thoughts or anxiety.
Unfortunately, there is no emergency antidote available for first-time or regular GHB users to reverse these effects, which only increases the risk of serious physical damage, coma, and death.
The long-term effects of using GHB may or may not result in the development of many conditions. You may start to have hallucinations or have trouble breathing. Your memory may become severely impaired, and long-term use can cause you to develop heart disease.
Liquid Ecstasy Addiction
GHB is most certainly addictive. With regular use, tolerance to the drug can increase in a short amount of time. This means that more of the drug will be needed to achieve a high. Therefore, dependence and addiction can develop incredibly quickly, despite the fact that the unpleasant side effects of GHB will also increase in intensity.
Those who become addicted to liquid ecstasy and try to stop often experience intense withdrawal symptoms in response to the body being unable to function without it. Because of the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, a person may return to using GHB to ease them. However, this only causes the addiction to continue.
Sudden stoppage of the drug also places immense stress on the body, which can result in life-threatening symptoms that require emergency medical assistance to overcome.
Medically assisted detox and addiction treatment are the most safe and effective ways to avoid intense and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms. This removes GHB from the body and involves the administering of medications to control the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.
Getting Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing an overdose on GHB or another drug, call 9-1-1 right away for emergency assistance. This can save lives, but you must call immediately.
You may be experiencing the above symptoms of addiction to GHB, but there are other addiction symptoms, such as:
- Using GHB to ease symptoms of mental illness
- Having invasive or obsessive thoughts about using GHB
- Lying to obtain money for or conceal using
- Difficulty in relationships with family, spouse, or friends
- Difficulties at work and with other responsibilities
- Financial problems due to employment loss or cost to obtain GHB
- Spending time away from people or activities you used to enjoy in order to use
Adelante Recovery Centers offer evidence-based treatment for liquid ecstasy addiction, including medically assisted detox and residential treatment. You can recover from liquid ecstasy addiction; begin your journey by contacting the compassionate team at our treatment facility. Contact us today.