The Monsters in the Street
January, 1997

There is another lethal drug out there that is rearing its ugly head. It is called GHB or Gamma Hydroxybutyrate. Its street names are "GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm," "liquid ecstasy" and "Somatomax PM." The effects of this new drug have played part in the deaths of a 17-year-old high school student in Texas, as well as a professional wrestler in Ocean City, MD. Police officers and medical professionals are finding that the use of this drug is becoming more wide-spread. GHB originated in Florida and Georgia, and now is appearing in at least 20 other states, including Maryland. According to the Up Front Drug Information Center in Miami, reports of the use of this drug and its potentially fatal side-effects are increasing in hospital emergency rooms and on drug hotlines.

Ten to fifteen years ago, GHB was available over-the-counter and mostly taken by body-builders for increased muscle growth, much like what steroid would provide. However, when many reports of life-threatening adverse effects came in from people who used the drug, the FDA had to intervene. The drug was made illegal in 1990, (except for FDA-approved studies).

It is reported that GHB acts differently from person to person. Of course, it depends on how much is taken and whether it is mixed with other drugs. Generally, though, this drug is said to induce everything from dangerously heavy sedation to total euphoria. It's effects include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, immobility, convulsions, severe respiratory depression and coma. Other symptoms include headaches, diarrhea, extreme dizziness and disorientation. It is also tasteless and can very easily be put into someone else's drink without their knowledge. It's potential for fatality increases dramatically when taken with alcohol or other drugs.

The big problem for medical professionals is that the drug only shows up in the urine or blood for six to eight hours after ingestion. After that, it is metabolized by the body into carbon dioxide and water so it is essentially undetectable.

The FDA is in the process of trying to schedule the drug. In the meantime, it is a real monster that can do serious damage to its users and/or abusers. The more informed we become about it, the more effective we can be in the battle against it.

Ref: Drug Detection Report/D.I.N. 166

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