5 GHB Facts You May Have Missed

1. Bodybuilders Use GHB Bodybuilders have reported usage of GHB as it stimulates the release of growth hormones. GHB use in bodybuilders helps to diminish their pain response. An individual that exercises in excess might use this drug to combat the pain associated with the aftermath of his or her workout. People also take it in conjunction with steroids to enhance their effects or alone in place of an anabolic steroid. 2. GHB Occurs Naturally in the Body GHB is a naturally occurring depressant in the central nervous system. It is necessary for the full functioning of the brain as well as the central nervous system. However, this drug becomes dangerous due to chemical additives during the synthetic production process. It is also dangerous because GHB is only produced in the body in small amounts. Despite natural occurrence, an individual can experience negative side-effects from over consumption. 3. It Can Be Addictive GHB can be addictive. Excessive use of GHB can lead to withdrawal and severe side-effects in association with addiction. GHB facts prove that the drug displays both physical and psychological addictive traits. The withdrawal symptoms associated with GHB are: Mild tremors, sweating, and hypertension Nausea Vomiting Insomnia Anxiety Hallucinations Delirium People become addicted to GHB due to a number of “positive” affects an individual will feel when they take it. GHB use will produce effects such as: Aid in sleep Antidepressant Work out aid Weight loss aid Increase in sociability Increase in sex drive When individuals, especially if they are pre-exposed to addiction, experiences these effects, they might feel that it’s a “miracle drug.” Their addiction will also progress from taking it multiple times a day. They will feel the need to dose more frequently because of its short lasting effects. 4. It Is Tasteless GHB is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, for the most part. Individuals that have used GHB recall the taste to be soapy or salty. However, people who are not using the drug recreationally will not know the difference if it is slipped into their drink. GHB facts prove that the tasteless properties make it easy for people to use this drug as a rape aid. As disgusting as it sounds, it does happen more often than you may think. Individuals slip the drug into an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage and the person has no idea because the drug is undetectable. The tasteless properties can also be harmful in a sense that if an addict is using this drug, they will not know if what they are getting is actually GHB. Many different chemicals are used in the production of the drug. If GHB contains a harmful chemical, that is unable to be detected by the individual or by lab tests, it may lead to fatal consequences. 5. Xyrem Is Legal GHB Xyrem is a drug that is approved by the FDA to treat symptoms of narcolepsy. It has the exact chemical structure of GHB. Its specific function is to treat cataplexy, a sudden and uncontrollable muscle weakness or paralysis. It occurs usually during the day and is triggered by emotions, the most common being laughter. The reason why Xyrem (which is actually GHB) treats this illness is due to its sedative properties and its depressive properties on the central nervous system. GHB was, at one point, used in a medical setting because it does have healing properties for this specific illness. The misuse of GHB led to the FDA banning the drug. However, Xyrem is available to patients when prescribed by a doctor because of its effectiveness.