GHB: Harm Minimisation Strategies

General Safety Tips for GHB Use

Understand Your Substance

• Know the Effects and Risks: Can range from relaxation and euphoria to sedation and unconsciousness, often within the same dose range due to its high potency.
• Risks: Include severe respiratory depression, unconsciousness, coma, and even death, particularly when mixed with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines.

Testing and Potency

• Test Your GHB: The strength of GHB can vary significantly, so test a small amount (less than 0.5ml) and wait at least 60 minutes before considering more to gauge its strength.
• Potency Variations: Be aware that substances sold as GHB may actually be GBL (Gamma Butyrolactone) or 1,4-B (1,4-Butanediol), which are prodrugs to GHB but are more potent and increase the risk of overdose.

Set and Setting

• Mindset: Ensure you are in a positive and stable mental state before using MDMA. Avoid use if you are feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed.
• Safe Environment: Use GHB in a safe, familiar environment with trusted people. Avoid using alone, as GHB can cause sudden unconsciousness.
Pre-Define Your Limits: Set clear limits on how much GHB you will use, how much money you will spend, and how long you will stay out.

Monitoring Intake

• Accurate Dosing: Use a syringe, pipette, or eyedropper to measure doses accurately, avoiding syringes larger than 1ml to prevent overdosing.
• Track Your Use: Record the amount and time of GHB intake to avoid redosing too soon.
• Space Out Use: Avoid using GHB for more than 2 days in a row. Tolerance builds quickly and can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Mixing and Masking Effects

• No Alcohol or Depressants: Combining GHB with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids is extremely dangerous and can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression.
• Stimulants: Be cautious with stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines, as they can mask GHB’s effects, increasing overdose risk.

Measure Your Doses Accurately

• Start Small: Begin with a low dose, especially if new or returning after a break. Lower doses when redosing as GHB can accumulate in the body.
• Consistent Measuring Tools: Use the same tool each time to ensure consistent dosing.

Carry Naloxone

• Naloxone Kit: Though for opioid overdoses, carrying Naloxone is a precaution in mixed-substance scenarios.

Hydrate and Nourish

• Stay Hydrated: Drink water before and during GHB use to avoid dehydration.
• Eat Properly: Have a meal before using GHB to stabilize your stomach and slow absorption.

Mixing and Masking Effects

• Oral Ingestion: Dilute GHB in water to avoid irritation.
• Shelving (Rectal Use): Use lubrication and hygienic methods to reduce risk of infection.

Recognising and Responding to Overdose

Signs of Overdose

• Shallow or breathing difficulties
• Unresponsiveness
• Clammy skin
• Blue lips or nails
• Vomiting
• Inability to wake up

Responding to Overdose

• Call Emergency Services (000): Provide clear information about what was taken and the symptoms.
• Stay With the Person: Keep them calm and monitor their condition.
• Use Recovery Position: If the person is breathing but not fully conscious, turn them into the recovery position (on their side) to keep the airway clear and prevent choking.

Conclusion

By adhering to these harm minimisation strategies, users of GHB can significantly reduce their risk of adverse effects and promote a safer use environment. Always prioritize safety, know your limits, and communicate clearly with others.

For more information or support, visit harm reduction websites or contact local health services that provide support for substance users.