GHB: the drug that overrides the will of the victim

The GHB (or gammahydroxybutyric acid) is often referred to as liquid ecstasyAlthough it has nothing to do with ecstasy (or MDMA) or other amphetamine-like substances.

What is GHB?

This drug, used by rapists, is a central nervous system depressant (CNS) that was used during the sixties as an anesthetic. However, GHB was withdrawn from the pharmaceutical market due to its side effects. It is currently used in the treatment of some diseases such as narcolepsy.

GHB has unpredictable effects on each person and they are usually euphoric (in low doses) and sedative (high doses), which make this substance extremely dangerous. Due to its characteristics, it is used to carry out robberies or sexual assaults, just like the Rohypnol wave Burundanga (scopolamine), since it cancels the will of the people and makes them a defenseless person.

GHB generally comes as a white powder or liquid colorless and odorless, with a slightly salty taste, and is distributed on the illegal market in small ampoules or vials that are often mixed with a beverage. Mixing with alcohol is very dangerous. The main complication of GHB use is acute poisoning. In recent years there have been many cases of coma, and also deaths from its use.

The use of this drug to commit rapes

Both GHB and Rohypnol or Scopolamine are used to facilitate violations carried out during a dates or to "drug" the victim at the disco and then abuse her when the substance takes effect. Since GHB is a colorless and odorless substance, is easily poured into the victim's drink and consumed without it noticing it. When the drug takes effect, it incapacitates the victim and prevents him from defending himself against sexual assault. GHB is currently known as “easy viola”.

Therefore, the purpose of the sex offender is to sedate the person to be sexually abused, to decrease their resistance or cause the victim's total loss of consciousness. Since GHB has a short life, it is difficult to find traces in a urine sample if more than a day has passed. Victims often report after this period, as they feel ashamed and, at times, guilty of what happened.

GHB effects

GHB is a central nervous system depressant and is taken by mouth. The effects start about 15 minutes after ingestion and last from 1 to 3 hours. As with alcohol, depending on the dose it produces different effects.

In solid state, with low-medium doses (1-2g) the empathic effect, euphoria or disinhibition. With higher doses (2-4g), the effects are amplified, and incoordination, visual distortion, deep relaxation and a tendency to drowsiness may occur. This is because GHB binds to at least two classes of neuronal receptors: at low doses it binds to the receptor. GHB, which is excitatory, and at high doses it also binds to the GABA-B receptor (inhibitory), which produces the effects sedatives.

GHB is especially dangerous mixed with alcohol, a combination that can lead to coma and be fatal, as has been reported on several occasions.

The brain makes GHB

Although GHB is made in the laboratory, it also occurs in the brain (endogenous substance). Some of the highest concentrations are found in the substantia nigra, the thalamus, and the hypothalamus of the brain.

Many scientists claim that it acts as a neurotransmitter, and various functions are attributed to it such as the regulation of sleep cycles, temperature, brain glucose metabolism, blood flow, memory and emotional control. Likewise, it would have a neurological protective action against the negative effects of hypoxia and excessive metabolic demands.

Clinical use of gammahydroxybutyric acid

Despite the fact that GHB was used as a general anesthetic, and for the treatment of insomnia or clinical depression, in It is currently used only for the treatment of narcolepsy, as there is a potential for abuse and serious side effects in their consumption.

It is marketed under the name of Xyrem and it is available only in certified pharmacies, under a special program called Xyrem Success Program. The drug is taken before bedtime, as it reinforces deep sleep and increases nighttime sleep time, reducing, at the same time, the number of sleep periods during the day, which improves the symptoms of narcolepsy.

Other uses of GHB

In addition to the aforementioned uses, GHB continues to be used for other illegal purposes. Many young they give it a recreational use and they consume it in discotheques or in "raves". It is commonly known as "liquid ecstasy," and it is common to mix it with alcohol. This has triggered several cases of overdose.

On the other hand, it is also used by bodybuilders. It became very popular in the United States for its anabolic and "fat burning" effect, since its consumption produces a muscle increase and a better definition, as well as a euphoric effect. GHB increases the secretion of growth hormone. Despite the fact that its consumption was prohibited in the 90s, it continues to be sold illegally. The great concern of the authorities is the sale over the internet.

Here is a video about the use of GHB to commit violations. Check it out: