G / GHB / GBL

G is a drug which can give you a high with small doses and sedation with only slightly higher doses. Taking G can result in feelings of euphoria, reduced inhibitions and drowsiness. G is commonly sold in plastic bottles or containers.

The effects will vary from person to person and will depend on how much is consumed. A euphoric dose for one person may be a sedative dose for another.

The effects can begin about 20 minutes after consuming and may last up to four hours. A dose of G can make a person feel chilled out, horny, and/or mildly high. Too much G can leave a person dizzy, confused, drowsy or vomiting. G use can also result in seizures, coma and death.

G is physically addictive and dependence can develop very quickly or from regular use over a period of time. Dependence can mean that people will experience withdrawal symptoms when you reduce or stop using, which can be severe or life threatening.

In certain situations, people may require inpatient treatment for G dependence. It is not advised that a person suddenly stops taking G themselves or attempts to self-detox. Withdrawal should be a slow, tapered process, with medical supervision of a doctor.

With G, there’s only a small difference in the dose that produces the ‘desired effect’ and the dose which could result in ‘going under’. Basically, it is very easy to overdose on G.

G has a delayed onset which means it can take longer than expected to kick in. An additional risk is that someone may take a dose, think nothing is happening, and then take another dose. This can lead to going under accidentally.

Common signs of overdose can include: confusion; vomiting; dizziness; seizure; temperature; agitation; hallucination; difficulty breathing and coma.

What should I do if someone “goes under” on G?

If someone overdoses on G, ‘goes under’ and are unconscious:

• It is important to put the person in the recovery position and call an ambulance
• There is no reason to be afraid to get help so do not put off calling an ambulance if someone has overdosed
• Remember, an overdose can transition from unconsciousness to coma and death very quickly
• Remember, the ambulance service are not the Gardaí, they are not interested in getting anyone in trouble. Give them the remaining G (and/or other drugs taken) so that they know how to assist the person
• If someone goes under while on G they are not in control of what is happening to them, it is important not to let anyone have sex with another person who is unconscious, as this is rape.
• Make sure to look after the person so they are not involved in sex they cannot consent to.

G is increasingly used as a drug to facilitate sex. G can leave a person incoherent or comatose (gone under), so they are unable to give their sexual consent. Whether a person unknowingly or willingly takes G, they are at risk of sexual assault. This can mean that people who use G in clubs or at sex parties are at risk of assault.

Using G can increase a person’s sex drive, this may increase the chances of having unprotected sex and increasing the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Be prepared – carry condoms with you – particularly if you know you will be using G. Only use a condom once. Never reuse it. Get tested regularly for HIV and other STIs.

It is always safest not to take unknown or illicit drugs. However, if you do decide to take G, remember:

1. Always use as low a dose of G as possible and wait 4 hours before re-dosing.
2. Prepare G before a night out/party and only take a certain amount with you so you are not tempted to use more
3. Use a glass eye dropper, syringe barrel or pipette that is measured in millilitres in order to know how much you are consuming. (Avoid using teaspoons, containers or caps to estimate the quantity)
4. Never swig from the bottle or accept pre-prepared G from someone else.
5. Avoid mixing with alcohol. Mix G with water, soft drinks or juice.
6. Avoid using G with other drugs.
7. Avoid taking G if you have high or low blood pressure, epilepsy, convulsions, heart or breathing problems, depression or panic attacks.
8. As unconsciousness can occur, try to have one sober friend or one friend who isn’t using G.
9. Use with people you can trust in a safe environment.
10. G increases libido and lowers inhibitions, so always carry extra condoms.
11. G is physically addictive and dependence to G can develop quickly. Try to avoid frequent use and don’t use for more than two days in a row.
12. If you have developed a dependence to G, don’t suddenly stop using yourself. If you want to stop your G use, get information on a structured detoxification from your GP or local drug service. Withdrawal should be a slow, tapered process, with medical supervision by a doctor.

If you are worried about your relationship with G, it is important to reach out. There are a number of non-judgemental friendly services who can help.

The Switchboard Ireland
Outhouse, 105 Capel St, Dublin 1.
The Switchboard Ireland is Ireland’s longest running support service for the LGBT+ community. LGBT+ volunteers are available 7 days a week on phone, email and online chat to offer confidential listening, support and information. Thursdays: Substance Abuse, Chems, Narcotics, Alcohol 6:30pm – 9pm.

Phone 01 872 1055
Contact: WhatsApp @ 089 26 74 777
Email: ask@theswitchboard.ie for support & signpost by email
contact@theswitchboard.ie for other questions

MPOWER
The MPOWER team of peer sexual health outreach workers offer information, support and resources relating to HIV, STIs and other sexual health & wellbeing needs. The team is available to speak to you by phone, email, WhatsApp, and Zoom.

Phone 01-8733799 and ask for the MPOWER Team (Mon-Fri 10am – 5pm)
Whatsapp on 086 065 7212 (Davy), 0866002996 (Mark), 0892291869 (Diego)
Email: mpower@hivireland.ie
Website: https://mpower.hivireland.ie

Sexual Health Centre Cork
Sexual Health Centre Cork offer the services of a dedicated Sexual Health Advisor to members of LGBTQIA+ community. Aaron O’Sullivan provides sexual health advice and support in an understanding and warm environment, on a wide range of matters such as healthy relationships, sexuality, sexual dysfunction, gender and sexual identity.

You can make an appointment by sending an email to info@sexualhealthcentre.com, calling the Sexual Health Centre on 021 427 5837 or contacting Aaron directly at aaron@sexualhealthcentre.com

Visit the National Directory of Drugs and Alcohol Services and find a local service to help you

Further information & services at http://drugs.ie/ghb

Drugs helpline: Freefone 1800 459 459