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.

Services

List of services and further information at www.drugs.ie/ghb

or from the drugs helpline: Freefone 1800 459 459

Drugs.ie

Online information and support for drug and alcohol use. Includes a national directory of drug and alcohol services.

HSE

Freephone Helpline:1800 459 459. Drugs, Alcohol, HIV, Hepatitis and Sexual Health Helpline.

MPOWER @HIV Ireland

The MPOWER team of peer sexual health outreach workers offer information, support and resources relating to HIV, STIs and sexual health & wellbeing needs. You can also reach out and talk to the team on issues of drugs, alcohol, chemsex and consent, in fact any issue that might concern you.

National Drug Treatment Center 

The HSE National Drug Treatment Centre is an integrated person centered specialist addiction service.

Gay Men’s Health Service

Services for men who have sex with men (MSM) include free HIV and STI testing, free counselling, PEP, free condoms. GMHS is currently closed due to COVID -19 Restrictions

Ana Liffey Drug Project 

Services include Open Access Service, Needle and Syringe Outreach Programme, Medical Services and Case Management Service.

Belong To Youth Services

BeLonG To is the national organisation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) young people between the ages of 14-23.

The Switchboard Ireland

Information and support via phone, email and online chat. Tel:(01) 872 1055 or ask@gayswitchboard.ie

You can download a leaflet on G here.