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GHB information (gamma-hydroxybutyrate)
For the real story on GHB please see
GHB KILLS
Also see
Michael's Message
Their are 3 Major Drugs used in
date rape:
Some people also use these to get
high.
(Roofies, Rope, Ruffies, R2, Ruffles, Roche, Forget-pill)
Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate
(GHB, Liquid Extacy, Liquid X, Scoop, Easy Lay)
Ketamine Hydrochloride
('K', Special K, Vitamin K, Ket)
These and others can be:
DATE RAPE DRUGS
Since about 1990, GHB (gamma- hydroxybutyrate) has been abused
in the U.S. for euphoric, sedative, and anabolic (body
building) effects. As with Rohypnol and clonazepam, GHB has
been associated with sexual assault in cities throughout the
country.
Reports from Detroit indicate liquid GHB is being used in
nightclubs for effects similar to those of Rohypnol. It is
also common in the club scene in Phoenix, Honolulu, and Texas,
where it is known as "liquid ecstacy," "somatomax," "scoop,"
or "grievous bodily harm." In Miami, poison control center
calls have reflected problems associated with increased GHB
use, including loss of consciousness. In New York City, there
have been reports of GHB use among those in the fashion
industry. In Atlanta, it is commonly used as a synthetic
steroid at fitness centers and gyms.
Coma and seizures can occur following abuse of GHB and, when
combined with ecstasy, there appears to be an increased risk
of seizure. Combining use with other drugs such as alcohol can
result in nausea and difficulty breathing. GHB may also
produce withdrawal effects, including insomnia, anxiety,
tremors, and sweating. Because of concern about Rohypnol, GHB,
and other similarly abused sedative-hypnotics, Congress passed
the "Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996"
in October 1996. This legislation increased Federal penalties
for use of any controlled substance to aid in sexual
assault.
Appearance: A clear liquid, GHB is often
mixed with fruit juice to conceal its salty, unpleasant taste.
Actions/Effects: First synthesized by a French researcher in
the 1960's, GHB is structurally similar to the
neurotransmitter GABA and triggers its effects, by increasing
the brain's supply of the neurotransmitters GABA and dopamine.
At moderate doses, GHB causes feelings of relaxation,
euphoria, and disinhibition much like alcohol. At higher
doses, GHB induces a sleep so deep that it can be mistaken for
coma.
Risks/Side Effects: Since GHB occurs naturally in the human
body (and serves as a precursor in the production of GABA),
the chemical is relatively nontoxic. Still, synthetic forms of
GHB can irritate the stomach and cause nausea or vomiting.
Confusion and impaired motor skills may also occur,
particularly at higher doses, but food can reverse these
effects. Use in combination with alcohol intensifies effects
and the risk of overdose.
Addiction Potential: Although tolerance to GHB's effects
appears with long-term use, it does not produce physical
dependence. GHB can be psychologically addictive, however,
particularly for those with a history of chemical dependency.
Duration: Effects begin within 5-20 minutes of ingestion and
last 1-3 hours, but can be prolonged through repeated dosing.
Medical Uses: GHB is used in Europe to ease childbirth, and
has also been used to treat insomnia, narcolepsy, and
alcoholism.
Trends: Following incidents of drink "spiking," and
allegations that GHB was used in incidents of date rape,
federal legislation designating GHB as a Schedule I controlled
substance was signed into law in February, 2000, banning
possession and sale of the drug throughout the United States.
Information and educational materials on Rohypnol and GHB
directed toward college students are available from the Rape
Treatment Center at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center at
1-800-END-RAPE (1-800-363-7273). These materials are also
being distributed by the U.S. Department of Justice to law
enforcement agencies throughout the country.
GHB KILLS
Article: Women in Fear of Date-Rape Drug Spikings
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