GHB / GBL / BDO

What is it?
How is it taken?
How does it feel?
Side effects and long-term impact
Overdosage
Mixed consumption
Addiction potential and withdrawal
Safer Use
Safer Sex
Interactions with HIV treatment
Counseling

Typical pipette bottle for storing and dosing G

What is G?

GHB and GBL are substances that act similarly in the body. They are also simply called “G”, gina, liquid ecstasy, and knockout drops. They are usually colorless, odorless liquids.

GHB is an endogenous messenger substance that is also used in medicine, among other things. GHB has a salty-bitter taste. (Don’t try it neat, it is caustic.)

GBL is a corrosive liquid used as a solvent and cleaning agent. GBL is rapidly converted to GHB in the body. GBL has a chemical taste. It acts faster, more intensively and for a shorter time than GHB. In Berlin, this form is the most common.

A third, less common form is the industrial chemical BDO (or “1,4-B”, “BD”), which is also converted to GHB in the body (although via a different, two-step metabolism) and has a more mellow, but longer effect than GHB. BDO has a significantly more neutral taste compared to GHB or GBL, resembling molten plastic. However, diluting the substance is necessary.

Caution: Compared to other substances, the controlled use of G requires special care and discipline. There is little room for error: Just a few extra drops can make the difference between a desirable dose and an overdose that may cause coma. Some choose not to consume G because adherence to strict discipline, even in the course of partying, is contrary to their sense of celebration.

G is considered a controversial substance within the community, especially in club settings, and the use of it is partially stigmatized. When paramedics are called to clubs or chemsex parties, a G overdose and/or its combination with other substances is often involved. In addition, G has been abused for criminal offenses like sexualized violence and theft. Many clubs will ban you if they find G on you…inform yourself, which stance towards G a specific club or party takes.

How do you take G?

G is corrosive and must be taken in a highly diluted form. The substance is usually kept in a small bottle and dosed to the milliliter using a pipette or syringe (without a needle).

The dose is diluted with a non-alcoholic liquid in a container at a ratio of approximately 1:100 and the mixture is then swallowed in one go. Alternatively, the dose can be added to a whole non-alcoholic drink, which is then drunk normally over a short period of time (resulting in a more gradual onset of effect).

Risk: In clubs, G is also dosed directly from the pipette or syringe (without a needle) into the mouth, after first taking a large mouthful of a liquid (without swallowing it yet). However, in this way the substance is only slightly diluted and there may be a risk of burns to lips, tooth enamel, throat, etc.

A typical dose is approximately 0.8-1.2 ml of GBL, 1.3-2.0 ml of BDO or 1-2 ml of GHB (since GHB is solid that needs to be solved in water previously, the ratio of the mixture is to be taken into account additionally). An initial dose for first time consumption is approx. 0.6 ml GBL, 1.0 ml BDO and 0.8 ml GHB respectively. Lower doses are used, for example, in cases of low body weight, on an empty stomach, or physical exhaustion. Higher doses are used by people who have already developed a tolerance to G.

Reliable dosing is often not possible with illegally produced G, since the concentration of the substance can be unknown. Some users therefore initially test a maximum of half a dose with each new batch and then wait for a full effects cycle (at least 2 hours) to assess the effects.

If G is taken several times in a row, the time of each dose is documented, because a minimum interval must be strictly observed. If the interval is shorter than the total duration of action of the substance (2-3 hours for GBL and 3-4 hours for BDO), less than the initial dose must be added to prevent overdose. (Attention: Very high doses have a longer duration of action).

Never slam/intravenously consume GHB/GBL/BDO! Risk of overdose/poisoning and cauterization of veins.

How does G feel?

Generally, the effect of a substance can vary greatly from person to person, depending on external circumstances, route of administration, exact composition of the drug, dose and other factors.

The effect of a typical dose of GBL is noticeable after about 3-10 minutes, peaks about 20-30 minutes after ingestion, and then decreases over another 1.5-3 hours.

The effect of a typical dose of GHB is noticeable after about 10-20 minutes, peaks about 30-60 minutes after intake, and then decreases for another 2-4 hours.

The effect of a typical dose of BDO is noticeable after about 15-30 minutes, peaks about 60-120 minutes after intake, and then decreases for another 2-4 hours.

G has a mood-lifting, anxiety-relieving effect, makes users sociable and talkative, and intensifies sensory perceptions. Initially it has a stimulating effect (stronger with GBL than with BDO), but as use progresses and the dose increases, it has a sedative effect.

G has a sexually arousing and disinhibiting effect. Other people are perceived as more attractive. For these reasons, G is one of the most common drugs used for chemsex.

Some users compare the high of G to that of alcohol, but with a shorter duration, somewhat mentally clearer, as well as more sexually stimulating. Contrary to the nickname “liquid ecstasy,” the high is not as energizing and euphoric as ecstasy/MDMA.

Some users report experiencing little to no hangover afterwards.

Side effects and long-term impact

Use of G can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness and can trigger seizures. A high dose may cause headaches, impaired balance, hallucinations, confusion, fatigue, or sudden falling asleep and inability to move.
G consumption may cause electrolyte, blood sugar, and acid-base imbalances and may lower or increase blood pressure.
G can paralyze the central nervous system, including the part responsible for our breathing. Too high a dose can cause life-threatening respiratory paralysis!
Higher doses of G can also impair our ability to remember what happened during use, leading to complete blackouts.
Frequent high-dose use can contribute to the development of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
G (especially GBL) is corrosive and can damage the eye and stomach lining.
Sustained use over several days or weeks leads to physical dependence.
Consumed over a long time, G can cause damage to the liver and kidneys and memory impairment.

Overdosage

Unintentional overdoses can easily happen with G because the difference between a desired dose and an overdose is so small. Overdoses can occur from 1.5 ml of GBL or 2 ml of GHB/BDO. Amounts greater than 2 ml of GBL or 3 ml of GHB or 4 ml of BDO may be lethal.

Beware: The ingested dose often can’t be precisely determined with illegally produced G, since its purity and any possible adulteration may not be known (e.g. GHB produced from GBL may sometimes still contain an certain amount of unconverted GBL, and conversely, GBL may contain traces of GHB).

A G overdose can induce sleep up to and including a comatose state from which a person cannot be woken for approximately 1-4 hours. There is no antidote, additional ingestion of stimulants as “antidote” should be strictly avoided. Vomiting while unconscious can cause asphyxiation.

A G overdose can further cause seizures, muscle twitching, and loss of control over bowel movements and urine. A high overdose can cause life-threatening respiratory failure.

Initial signs of overdose may include nausea, retching, lightheadedness, gasping, difficulty articulating, involuntary movements or utterances, and sudden falling asleep or startling. However, consumers may be fine until just before the onset of sleep or coma.

Typical mistakes that can lead to overdose are:

Choosing a dose intuitively, without measuring accurately
Re-dosing intuitively, instead of strictly adhering to a minimum time interval.
Consuming G at the same time as alcohol – both substances amplify each other in unpredictable ways; simultaneous consumption of BDO and alcohol is life-threatening
Confusing GBL, GHB and BDO
Wanting more effect even though the substance does not offer more
Re-dosing the same amount while the previous dose is still having an effect (e.g., after only one hour)
Dosing twice in the same drink (such as when distracted or mixing up the glasses or bottles)
(Additional) drinking of a beverage that unknowingly contains G
Forgetting that you have just, or recently dosed already
Re-dosing the same amount over several hours while becoming more exhausted over time and the sleep-inducing effects of G increases
A person with no G experience taking over similar dosing levels from someone who has already developed a tolerance
Mixed consumption and its timing, e.g. when the waking effect of a stimulant substance (e.g. speed) decreases and the sleep-inducing effect of G suddenly comes through unimpeded

If a person becomes sleepy on G, it may be difficult to keep them awake. Exercise, talking with them, fresh air, a cool shower, or mild pain stimuli can help. It is not advisable to try to keep someone awake with additional substances, as this will only make the exceptional situation in the body worse. Under no circumstances should a drug be administered to an unresponsive person.

It is impossible to tell with the naked eye whether someone is merely asleep, temporarily unconscious, or it is a life-threatening emergency.

If a person cannot be woken up, call the emergency services (112). This might save someone’s life! You shouldn’t talk about drugs on the phone – mention that a person is unconscious, and then inform the emergency services about the use of GHB/GBL/BDO when they arrive. Emergency services have to adhere to a non-disclosure towards clubs or police on site, but need to be informed as precisely as possible about taken substances, etc. for optimal treatment.

In clubs, the door staff is generally responsible for emergencies. Since they are also the authority that enforces G bans, among other things, people are sometimes reluctant to approach them in an G emergency. However, emergencies must not be concealed, or any response being delayed!

Always turn unconscious persons into a recovery position on their side to prevent them from choking on vomit. Stay with the person and watch for breathing. A rattle, which may sound like snoring, can be an indication of breathing difficulties.

A person who stops breathing must be kept alive with CPR until emergency services arrive!

People who fall asleep on G are often unaware of this fact, or afterwards often have no sense of the duration and intensity of their sleep. When they wake up again, they are still high and may not show any awareness of the problem.

Recommendation: In such cases, if you help people understand and acknowledge that it was an overdose, they are more likely to learn from it.

Recommendation: If someone was already nodding off on G, i.e., overdosed on the substance, then the party should be over for this person – or at the very least, their use of G!

First aid guide for drug-related emergencies

Weitere Informationen zu Erste Hilfe bei Chemsex-Notfällen

Drug Combinations

In general, the following applies: When using several substances at the same time, the body and the mind are subjected to greater stress. Certain effects may be intensified, weakened or delayed by the interactions. The probability of an overdose or side effects is unpredictable.
Mixed consumption can make you suddenly fall asleep and increase side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, retching, and unconsciousness or even respiratory failure.
Mixing with downers like alcohol, poppers, ketamine, opiates, barbiturates, GABAergics (e.g. Pregabaline, Phenibute or Baclofene) or benzos increases the paralytic effects of G. Life-threatening respiratory paralysis may result! Avoid mixed consumption with G!
Mixed consumption of BDO and alcohol is life-threatening and should be strictly avoided! Both substances are metabolized in your body by the same enzymes and metabolisation pathway, but with alcohol having a higher affinity. This leads to no BDO being metabolized as long as there is still alcohol to be processed, i.e. you won’t notice any effects of the BDO, which in turn might lead to too early or too high re-dosing. Once the alcohol is processed, the potentially, by then, way too high dose of BDO will be metabolized, eventually leading to a lethal overdose.
G + Viagra kann zu Blutdruckabfall führen. Life-threatening cardiovascular failure may occur.
In combination with speed, ecstasy, mephedrone, crystal meth or cocaine, the effect of G can be masked by the stimulant. This increases the likelihood of an overdose by taking too much or re-dosing too soon. Timing is highly complex: for example, when the awakening effect of an upper wears off, the sedative effect of G can kick in full force and a dose that was previously OK can suddenly become problematic.
Concurrent use of allergy medications may cause circulatory problems and induce a coma.
Drugs used to treat epilepsy such as valproate, phenytoin, topiramate plus GHB/GBL/BDO can cause life-threatening interactions, in part because they inhibit GHB breakdown.
Do not consume GBL with dairy products; this causes nausea and vomiting.

Addiction potential and withdrawal

Regular consumption leads to a rapid tolerance development (i.e., you need more of the substance to have the same effect).
There is a possibility of psychological dependence.
Sustained use over several days or weeks leads to physical dependence. People then need to consume G consistently every few hours to avoid withdrawal symptoms. These can include sweating, insomnia, muscle cramps, tremors, and nausea and can last for several weeks.
Self-organized “cold turkey” withdrawal without medical consultation and supervision can be life-threatening. Find out which hospitals in your area offer in-patient withdrawal treatment.

Safer Use

Before Use

Make sure you know if it is GBL, GHB or BDO. Adjust your dosage and minimum time interval before re-dosing accordingly. Use drug checking if available.
If drug checking is not possible, you can put the substance in your fridge (not freezer): if it solidifies, it is BDO (melting point of 20.1°C). In case the substance remains liquid, put it in the freezer: if it still remains liquid, it is likely GBL (melting point of -43.5°C, these low temperatures cannot be achieved by regular freezers). If it solidifies, it is likely a GHB-solution (because of the water, the melting point is approximately 0°C). Be aware however, that this method gives only an indication on which substance you have!
Pure G may only ever be kept in containers that no one would ever drink from by mistake, e.g., a pipette bottle or a pharmaceutical or chemical bottle. Never leave pure G around in a bottle, cup or drinking glass, especially at a party. A mix-up could cost lives!
Do not store GBL, GHB and BDO in regular plastic bottles, as it will corrode them over time. Use glass, metal, or HDPE plastic containers (e.g., chemical bottles, identified by the ♴ symbol and the HDPE or PE-HD designation). BDO can also be stored in LDPE plastic containers. Make sure that not only the container itself, but also the cap and sealing is made of suitable material.
People with asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, and stressed cardiovascular and psychological conditions should avoid consuming G.

During Use

Never take undiluted G due to its corrosiveness. Dilute at least 1:100 with a non-alcoholic liquid.
Always dose G to the precise milliliter using a scaled pipette or syringe without a needle. Glass pipette bottles with scales can be found at online retailers. Syringes without needles are available at any pharmacy. The syringe should have a volume of max. 2 ml, so you can measure low doses precisely. G can remove the markings of syringes over time, therefore replace them in time.
If you make a mistake when dosing G, e.g., you do not remember whether or how much you have already poured into a drink, do not take any risks. Pour it out and start again.
Do not dose G directly into your mouth (even a mouth full of liquid) to avoid chemical burns. At the club, for example, you can use an empty glass or bottle as a mixing vessel.
GBL and BDO have a higher density than water, etc., therefore they will separate at the bottom of most beverages. Make sure to properly stir drinks containing G immediately prior to consumption.
It is best to ingest G on an empty or only slightly full stomach, otherwise you’ll experience a slower metabolism and delayed onset of effects. Further, this will lower the risk of nausea and vomiting.
Never slam (inject) GHB/GBL/BDO! Risk of poisoning and cauterization of veins.
You can protect yourself from overdose by taking only small amounts.
If you re-dose, the subsequent doses should be significantly lower than the initial dose, unless you’ve waited several hours between doses. Even after the high has worn off, G is still active in your system. Especially with BDO this is essential due to the slower processing in the body.
Example: Half a dose of G can feel very subtle. That means on the other hand that even if you only notice it a little, you can still have half a dose in your system. To take another half dose would bring you back to the effect of the initial dose. Taking a full dose would significantly exceed the effect of the initial dose. (risk of over-dosing)
Note the time of your last dose. This is done best with the GSafe app. It will additionally warn you, if you attempt to re-dose “too early” and helps you to track your own consumption. However, be aware that the app is primarily suitable for GBL, as GHB and BDO have longer duration of effects and the app isn’t able to reliably warn you with these substances! The app is freely available both for iOS and Android in the AppStore and GooglePlay respectively. 
Alternatively, or if you’re consuming GHB or BDO instead of GBL, on your cell phone, you can take a screenshot of your lock screen including the clock. You can also start a stopwatch or post your dose in a group chat with your friends. For each subsequent dose, check the time of your last dose and adjust the amount accordingly.
Refrain from re-dosing if unpleasant effects occur.
Never combine G with alcohol, as these substances potentiate in unpredictable ways, making overdose much more likely.
Do not combine G with substances that have a sedative or anesthetic effect (ketamine, benzos, opiates, sleeping pills, etc.). This is dangerous because it can cause respiratory paralysis.
Do not consume G alone. Unexpected side effects can always occur. Inform your friends if you have consumed GBL, GHB or BDO.
Always measure out your dose yourself. Do not delegate the responsibility to others. That way, you remain on top of things.
It is never okay to administer substances to other people without their knowledge and consent! You endanger the life of a person and are liable to prosecution. If you notice such a situation, get help and protect the affected person as best as possible.
Watch out for each other, be alert, and, if necessary, get help if a person is not feeling well.
Do not leave a drink mixed with G unattended. Others could drink from it and unknowingly and unintentionally expose themselves to the effects.
Never leave drinks unattended, especially in club settings or if people unknown to you are present; do not drink anything that has been out of your sight for prolonged time. G is being used as a drug for committing crimes like sexualized violence or theft. G is not very noticeable taste-wise in a drink and can lead to defenselessness and missing memories. G is detectable in urine for a maximum of 12 hours. If in doubt, you should approach the Gewaltschutzambulanz as soon as possible. They will do a forensic investigation without involving the police. This way, contacting the police and file a report afterwards remains your own choice and decision.
Avoid performing responsible tasks while under the influence of substances. Don’t use your car and determine for yourself which areas of life should remain free of consumption.

Safer Sex

If necessary, clarify what kind of sex you and your sex partners want before you start using. G has a sexually disinhibiting effect and can cause you to do different things and choose different partners than you would if you were sober. Your risk-taking during sex may increase and you may forget about your condom or PrEP.
G and poppers: Both lower blood pressure and have a respiratory depressant effect. Risk of unconsciousness and shortness of breath or even respiratory failure.
G and Viagra: Causes a sharp drop in blood pressure, risk of circulatory collapse.
G can make climaxing more difficult. Prolonged fucking puts strain on the condom. Change the condom after half an hour or choose another protection strategy. Have enough safe sex material on hand.
Only consume an amount which allows you to still clearly express your consent (or non-consent), your desires and your limits, and that you can still correctly perceive those of your partners.
Only have sex with people who can clearly express their will! If a person is so high that they are no longer capable of conversation, they are also incapable of giving consent. Under no circumstances may sexual acts be (further) performed on them. This is true even if mutual intentions were previously discussed while conscious. It is a criminal offense.
Exercise caution when engaging in sexual practices that carry a risk of injury (fucking, fisting, dildos, plugs) – G has a relaxing effect. Here, in addition to HIV, there is also a likelihood of infection with hepatitis C.
Pay attention to your body! If you notice any abnormalities on your dick, front hole or ass, you should see a doctor.
Get tested for STI at least half-yearly and check your hepatitis A/B vaccination status.

If you suspect that sexual acts have been performed on you against your will or on you while you were unconscious, you should have blood and/or urine drawn and tested as soon as possible. The outpatient Clinic for the Protection against Violence of Berlin’s Charité Hospital offers a court-proof assessment and documentation without the pressure to immediately file a police report. The documentation is kept for 4 weeks, and you can decide in time whether you want to file a case.

In case of injuries in intimate areas, you should visit a hospital or a doctor to have the injuries documented and treated.

In addition, you can get support at the counseling center of your choice:

Interactions with HIV treatment

Take substances and HIV medications at different times. This might decrease the chance of side-effects. Always take low doses of substances when taking medications at the same time.
Since it may be a long night, bring enough medication with you and stick to your medication schedule.
Talk to your doctor about the interaction of your HIV medications with intoxicants.
Protease inhibitors can cause fatal GHB/GBL concentrations in the body even at low GHB/GBL doses. Caution: There is a major risk of respiratory depression, coma, and epileptic seizures!
Find here advice on substance and HIV drug interactions.

Counseling

Would you like to talk to somebody about your substance use? Do you have questions or are you looking for support? Do you want to share or reflect on any experiences? Do you feel that you might be using too much? Are you worried about friends or acquaintances and would like advice or tips on how to handle the situation? Counseling centers in Berlin are there for you!

24/7 counseling hotline by Drogennotdienst Berlin: 030 19237