GHB & GBL

GHB has one of the narrowest margins between a recreational dose and an overdose of any common substance. The difference between feeling good and losing consciousness can be less than 1ml. Precise measurement is not optional — it is essential.

dosage reference — GHB (sodium salt)

level	dose	effect
threshold	0.5–1g	Mild relaxation, slight euphoria
low	1–1.5g	Euphoria, sociability, mild sedation
moderate	1.5–2.5g	Strong euphoria, significant sedation
high	2.5–3.5g	Sedation, memory impairment, overdose risk increases
overdose risk	3.5g+	Loss of consciousness, respiratory depression

• GBL converts to GHB in the body — roughly 1ml GBL ≈ 1.65g GHB, but potency varies by product
• Always use a precise oral syringe — measuring to 0.1ml accuracy. Never pour from the bottle
• Concentrations vary enormously between sources — start very low with any new batch
• Body weight, food intake, and tolerance all significantly affect response

overdose recognition & response

• Signs: sudden loss of consciousness (often mid-sentence), loud snoring, slow or shallow breathing, unresponsive to voice or touch
• Step 1: Try to wake them — sternal rub, call their name loudly
• Step 2: Recovery position immediately — on their side to prevent choking on vomit
• Step 3: Call emergency services — 112 (EU), 999 (UK), 911 (US)
• Step 4: Stay with them — GHB overdose can progress quickly
• Tell paramedics what was taken — this is critical for treatment and you will not be prosecuted in most countries
• GHB overdose is not reversed by naloxone — it requires supportive care

safer use

• Measure every dose with an oral syringe — never eyeball, never pour directly
• Wait at least 2 hours before redosing — onset can be slow, and stacking doses is how most overdoses happen
• Tell someone what you've taken and how much — if you go under, they need to know
• Never use alone — G overdose is silent and fast
• Set a timer when you dose so you know exactly when you took it
• Don't mix batches — different sources have different concentrations
• Tolerance builds quickly with daily use — withdrawal can be dangerous (see below)

dangerous combinations

• Alcohol: life-threatening — the most dangerous GHB combination, avoid entirely
• Benzodiazepines: additive CNS depression, significantly increases overdose risk
• Opioids: dangerous respiratory depression
• Ketamine: CNS depression, unpredictable interaction
• Other depressants: any CNS depressant adds risk

dependence & withdrawal

• GHB/GBL dependence develops quickly with daily use — sometimes within weeks
• Withdrawal is potentially life-threatening: seizures, psychosis, and death have been reported
• Heavy daily users should not stop abruptly — medical detox is strongly recommended
• Symptoms: severe anxiety, tremors, sweating, insomnia, psychosis, seizures
• Hospital admission is recommended for dependent users wishing to stop

related guides