Remember, as with any drug, there are risks with taking GHB.
It is very easy to overdose on GHB, both because the strength can vary from bottle to bottle and because the doses involved are measured in such small quantities.
The image below displays the amounts typically associated with small, medium and large doses.
LOW DOSE
0.3 – 0.6 mls
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MEDIUM DOSE
0.6 – 1.25 mls |
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HEAVY DOSE / OVERDOSE
1.25 – 2 mls |
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Because batches vary and everyone’s body is different it is always best to start with a low dosage.
When you get a new batch, start with a small dose to test how strong it is.
Different people react very differently to GHB, so never assume you can safely take the same amount as your friends.
Measure your dose precisely using a syringe barrel without a needle.
Always tell your friends when and how much you are taking. Write the time and dose to the 0.1ml on your arm.
Successive doses will have a stronger effect than the last dose. Think of it as a stacking effect.
If you are re-dosing, it’s always best to lower your dose slightly each time. For example, if your first dose was 1ml, consider making your second dose 0.9ml and your third dose 0.8ml.
To be safe, try to wait at least two hours before re-dosing.
There is a thin line between a fun time and an overdose (also known as ‘blowing out’).
When overdosing, one may experience extreme grogginess, nodding in and out of consciousness, extreme dizziness and disorientation, irritation and agitation, memory loss, vomiting, convulsions, irregular or shallow breathing, and potentially depressed breathing.
The below table provides guidance for what to do if you find yourself with someone who has overdosed or ‘blown out’.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE WITH SOMEONE WHO’S OVERDOSED OR ‘BLOWN OUT’ |
IF THEY ARE STILL CONSCIOUS OR ABLE TO BE WOKEN |
IF THEY ARE UNCONSCIOUS OR NOT RESPONDING TO PAIN |
IF SOMEONE IS UNCONSCIOUS & UNRESPONSIVE CALL 000 |
• Keep them awake and seated on the floor.
• If you feel comfortable, sit behind them, brace their shoulders, and keep them responsive by asking questions at a loud volume.
• To continue to try to get a response, pinch shoulders / fingertips or rub their chest with your knuckles. A person in this state may make sudden jerking, tonic (rigid) movements.
• Assess what they are doing in response to your loud voice. Make sure they remain responsive to you. |
• Put them in recovery position (lie them on their side).
• Ensure they are breathing.
• Continue to check their breathinng until they wake up. |
Medical first responders are only interested in a patient’s health, not the criminal implications of drug use. |