GBL/GHB

G, Liquid Ecstasy, K.O. drops are the title of a liquid (GBL/GHB), which is usually dosed and diluted (about 1:100) with the help of a pipette or syringe. GBL is metabolised (converted) via the liver to GHB (the body’s own messenger substance). Depending on the dosage, it has a range of effects, from euphoric, inflating, sexually stimulating, to relaxing and soporific.

Safer Use

• It is important to know how much has been consumed, so make sure that your pipette or dosing aid (syringe or similar) has a scale.
• Regular use can lead to physical dependence.
• Self-organized “cold” withdrawal (without medical consultation and care) can be life-threatening. Find out which hospital in your area offers medical withdrawal.
• Mixed with alcohol, poppers, ketamine and other drugs, you can get sick quickly: Mixed use and/or overdose can make you fall asleep and in the worst case lead to respiratory arrest and coma.
• Therefore, do not make a secret of the consumption of GBL.
• Consciously use, and if possible not more frequently than once an hour, as overdoses usually occur when the second dose is taken before the first one has taken effect. Paying attention to time can be difficult. Your mobile phone timer can help you.
• You feel like you’re consuming too much? The drug counselling centre near you will be happy to help you!

Overdose

• If someone gets drowsy on GBL/GHB, stay with him, check his pulse and breathing and don’t let him fall asleep. If the pulse becomes thinner and thinner and the breathing shallower, do not be shy and call an emergency doctor (112). You can save lives that way!
• Always turn unconscious persons on their side so that they do not choke on their vomit!
• Never leave drinks unattended, GBL/GHB was abused as a “rape drug”. However, the person concerned cannot remember the incident and the substance is no longer detectable after a few hours. Therefore pay attention to each other and think carefully about with whom you are using drugs.
• For more information on first aid for Chemsex emergencies in German, click here.

Safer Sex

• “G” can be sexually disinhibiting and may make you do things you wouldn’t do otherwise. Your willingness to take risks during sex can increase and may make you forget your condom and PrEP.
• GBL and Poppers: Both lower blood pressure and have a respiratory depressive effect. Danger of unconsciousness and shortness of breath up to respiratory arrest.
• GBL can make hosing down more difficult. The longer the fuck the condom is stressed. Change the rubber after half an hour! Have enough safe sex material ready.
• Sex only works when there is mutual agreement and trust. Clarify before consumption which sex practices are desired by both parties and which are not.
• Consume only so much that you can defend yourself and still recognize your partner’s defensive signals.
• GBL/GHB relaxed. Beware of injurious sex practices (fucking, fisting, dildos, plugs). Here there is a risk of infection with hepatitis C in addition to HIV.
• Mind your body! If you notice any abnormalities, you should see a doctor.
• Have yourself tested for sexually transmitted infections and vaccinated against hepatitis A/B every 6 months with different sex partners.

HIV and GBL/GHB

• Take drugs and HIV medication at staggered intervals. This may reduce interactions somewhat. Always keep the dose of drugs low when taking medication at the same time. Often the night is long – take enough drugs with you and keep to your schedule. Talk to your doctor about the interaction of your HIV drugs with intoxicants!
• Protease inhibitors can lead to lethal GBL/GHB concentrations in the body even at low doses of GBL/GHB. Caution: Great danger of respiratory depression, coma and epileptic seizures!
• Information on interactions between substances and HIV drugs can be found in German here.