GHB is probably metabolised in the body to GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and thus indirectly influences the dopamine balance. In the 1980s, GHB was used by athletes as a doping agent, as it increases the release of growth hormones and thus promotes muscle growth.

Regular use of GHB / GBL can lead to psychological and physical dependence. If GHB / GBL is taken several times a week, users feel the need to increase the dose after a while. With very frequent use (several single doses per day), a pronounced dependence develops. In this case, sudden cessation (cold turkey) can lead to anxiety, panic attacks, nausea, sweating, hand tremors and insomnia. Furthermore, delirium with severe hallucinations can occur, similar to alcohol withdrawal. GHB/GBL withdrawal should always be carried out under medical supervision, as serious complications can occur during withdrawal!

• Psychological problems, restlessness or anxiety.
• During pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• High blood pressure, heart and circulatory problems.
• Liver or kidney damage
• Epilepsy
• Do not take part in road traffic if you have consumed.

If you consume GHB/GBL despite the health and criminal law risks, you should observe the following rules in addition to general information on risk reduction:

GHB/GBL should never be combined with alcohol and/or centrally depressant drugs such as sleeping pills or tranquillisers (e.g. Valium) or opiates, as this greatly increases the risk of unpleasant side effects (comatose deep sleep, respiratory arrest, etc.)!

Avoid redosing. Even a small increase in the dose can lead to undesirable side effects.

Take frequent breaks to cool down, relax and consume enough non-alcoholic drinks. However, no more than ½ litre per hour.

Refrain from consumption if you are afraid of taking it or if you are unwell.

Don't forget to protect yourself and your partner during sex and use condoms

4-Hydroxybutanoic acid, also known as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, or GHB for short, is closely related to the human neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and is also an independent neurotransmitter in the human body. It is found in food (e.g. in meat) in trace amounts. GHB is used in medicine as an intravenous narcotic for caesarean section deliveries in obstetric anaesthesia and in all kinds of high-risk cases (e.g. patients with liver damage). In 2002, it was approved in the USA and the EU as a drug for the symptomatic treatment of narcolepsy (sleeping sickness). Since the end of the 1990s, the substance has been used as a supposed party drug (liquid ecstasy).

Despite the name "liquid ecstasy", GHB has no chemical relationship to ecstasy (MDMA) and its effects are more similar to alcohol. The name is primarily a sales argument. It is usually available on the black market as a liquid in small bottles.

Since the ban on GHB, GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) is often consumed as a substitute, which is directly metabolised to GHB in the body and therefore has almost the same effect.

GHB has been subject to the Narcotic Drugs Act since 2002. The acquisition, possession, import and export, transfer to and procurement for others (transfer and sale) are punishable by law. Consumers who violate the SMG must expect a mandatory visit to a public health officer (in Vienna: the outpatient centre of the Addiction and Drug Coordination). There, health-related measures may be ordered and a drug test may be expected. If you adhere to these requirements, there will be no court proceedings. You can find more information about the law here: Laws. Since 1 January 2012, GBL has been subject to the New Psychoactive Substances Act (NPSG). This means that trafficking for profit (i.e. selling it) is a criminal offence. If it is possession for personal use, no further penalties are provided for.