GHB / GBL / BDO

What is that?
How is it taken?
How does it feel?
Side Effects and Long-Term Effects
Overdose
Mixed consumption
Addictive Potential and Withdrawal
Safer Use
Safe Sex
Drug Interactions with HIV Therapy
Consulting

Typical pipette bottles for storing and dispensing G

What is G?

GHB and GBL are substances that have similar effects on the body. They are also known as “G” ( pronounced as in English), Gina, Liquid Ecstasy, and K.O. drops. They usually appear as colorless, odorless liquids.

GHB is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that is also used in medicine, among other things. GHB tastes salty and bitter. (Never try GHB on its own—it’s corrosive.)

GBL is a highly corrosive liquid used as a solvent and cleaning agent. GBL is rapidly converted into GHB in the body. GBL has a chemical taste. Its effects are faster, more intense, and shorter-lasting than those of GHB. This form is the most common in Berlin’s party scene.

A third, less common form is the industrial chemical BDO (or “1,4-B,” “BD”), which is also converted into GHB in the body (though via a different, two-step metabolic process) and has a milder but longer-lasting effect than GHB. Compared to GHB and GBL, BDO has a much more neutral taste, reminiscent of melted plastic. However, it must also be diluted.

Risk Warning: Using G in a controlled manner requires particular care and discipline compared to other substances. There’s hardly any room for error: just a few drops separate the desired dose from an overdose, which can, for example, induce a coma. Some people choose not to use G because maintaining such strict discipline—even in the midst of a wild party—goes against their desire to let loose.

G is controversial within the scene, particularly in club settings, and its use is still stigmatized in some circles. When an ambulance has to be called at clubs or chemsex parties, it’s often due to a G overdose and/or poly-drug use. In addition, G has sometimes been misused to facilitate sexual assault or theft (knockout drops). Many clubs will ban you from their premises if they find G on you… so find out in advance what the club’s or event organizer’s G policy is.

How is G taken?

All forms of G are corrosive and must be taken in a highly diluted form. The substance is usually stored in a small bottle and dispensed with milliliter precision 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 all at once. Alternatively, the dose can be added to an entire non-alcoholic beverage, which is then consumed normally over a short period of time (resulting in a more gradual onset of effects).

Risk Warning: In clubs, G is also administered directly into the mouth from a pipette or syringe (without a needle) after the mouth has first been filled with a large sip of liquid (without swallowing it). However, this method dilutes the substance only slightly, and there may be a risk of chemical burns to the lips, tooth enamel, throat, and other areas.

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 a solid and must first be dissolved in water, the mixing ratio must also be taken into account).
An initial dose for first-time use is approximately 0.6 ml of GBL, 1.0 ml of BDO, or 0.8 ml of GHB.
Lower doses are recommended, for example, for people with low body weight, on an empty stomach, or when physically exhausted. People who have already developed a tolerance to G should take higher doses.

It is often impossible to determine a reliable dosage for illegally produced G, since the concentration of the substance is unknown. Some users therefore start by testing no more than half a dose from new sources and then wait for the effects to wear off.

If G is taken multiple times in a row, the time of each dose must be documented, as a minimum interval must be strictly observed. If the interval is shorter than the total duration of the substance’s effects (2–3 hours for GBL or 3–4 hours for BDO), a dose lower than the initial dose must be taken to prevent an overdose. (Note: Very high doses have a longer duration of effect.)

Never slam or inject GHB/GBL/BDO! Risk of overdose, poisoning, and chemical burns to the veins.

What does G feel like?

In general, the effects of a substance can vary greatly from person to person, depending on external circumstances, the method of use, the exact composition of the drug, the dose, and other factors.

The effects of a typical dose of GBL are noticeable after about 3–10 minutes, peak about 20–40 minutes after ingestion, and then subside over the next 1.5–3 hours.

The effects of a typical dose of GHB become noticeable after about 10–20 minutes, peak about 30–60 minutes after ingestion, and then subside over the next 2–4 hours.

The effects of a typical dose of BDO are noticeable after about 15–30 minutes, peak about 60–120 minutes after ingestion, and then subside over the next 2–4 hours.

G has a mood-lifting and anxiety-relieving effect; it makes people more sociable and talkative and intensifies sensory perceptions. Initially, it has a stimulating effect (more pronounced with GBL than with BDO), but with continued use and higher doses, it becomes sedating.

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

Some consumers compare the high from G to that of alcohol, though it lasts for a shorter time, leaves the mind somewhat clearer, and is more sexually stimulating. Contrary to its nickname “Liquid Ecstasy,” the high is not as intense or euphoric as that of ecstasy/MDMA.

Some consumers report experiencing little to no hangover after getting high.

Side Effects and Long-Term Effects

Consuming G can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and seizures. A high dose can lead to headaches, loss of balance, hallucinations, confusion, fatigue, or sudden sleepiness and inability to move.
Consumption of G can lead to an imbalance in electrolyte, blood sugar, and acid-base levels, and can lower or raise blood pressure.
G depresses the central nervous system, including the part responsible for our breathing. A dose that is too high can result in life-threatening respiratory paralysis!
Higher doses of G can also impair the ability to recall events that occurred while under the influence and lead to complete “blackouts.”
Frequent use of high doses can contribute to the development of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
G (especially GBL) is corrosive and can damage the eyes and the stomach lining.
Continued use over several days or weeks leads to physical dependence.
If consumed over a long period of time, G can cause damage to the liver and kidneys and lead to memory problems.

Overdose

It’s easy to accidentally overdose on G, since there’s only a slight difference between the intended dose and an overdose. Overdoses can occur with as little as 1.5 ml of GBL or 2 ml of GHB or BDO. Amounts exceeding 2 ml of GBL, 3 ml of GHB, or 4 ml of BDO may be fatal under certain circumstances.

Risk Warning: With illegally produced G, the dose ingested often cannot be determined precisely, since it is often unknown how much active ingredient—and, if applicable, what other substances—are contained in the liquid (for example, GHB produced from GBL sometimes still contains unconverted GBL, and conversely, GBL also contains traces of GHB).

A G overdose can cause drowsiness, but it can also lead to a coma from which a person cannot be roused for approximately 1–4 hours. There is no “antidote,” and the administration of stimulants as a “countermeasure” should be strictly avoided. Vomiting while unconscious can lead to suffocation.

A G overdose can also lead to seizures, muscle twitching, and loss of control over bowel and bladder function. A severe overdose can cause life-threatening respiratory arrest.

Early signs of an overdose may include nausea, the urge to vomit, drowsiness, labored breathing, difficulty speaking, involuntary movements or utterances, and suddenly falling asleep or jolting awake. However, users may still feel fine right up until they fall asleep or slip into a coma.

Common mistakes that can lead to an overdose include:

Estimate the dose by eye instead of measuring it precisely
Adjust the dosage as needed, rather than strictly adhering to a minimum time interval
Do not consume G at the same time as alcohol—the substances can interact in unpredictable ways; consuming BDO and alcohol at the same time is life-threatening
Confusing GBL, GHB, and BDO
want a stronger effect, even though the substance can’t deliver any more
Administering another dose of the same amount while the previous dose is still partially effective (e.g., after only one hour)
adding a double dose to the same drink (for example, if you get distracted or mix up the glasses)
(additional) consumption of a beverage that unknowingly contains G
forgot that you have just taken a dose or took one recently
Re-dosing the same amount for hours on end, while becoming increasingly exhausted over time and the sedative effect of G intensifies
A person with no experience with G adopts the dosage level of someone who has already developed a tolerance
Combined substance use and its timing, e.g., when the wakefulness-inducing effect of a stimulant (e.g., speed) begins to wear off and the sleep-inducing effect of G suddenly takes full effect

If a person becomes drowsy while on G, it can be difficult to keep them awake. Exercise, conversation, fresh air, a cool shower, or mild pain stimuli can help. It is not advisable to try to keep someone awake with other substances, as this will only make the body’s abnormal condition worse. Under no circumstances should a drug be administered to a person who is unresponsive.

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

If a person cannot be woken up, call emergency services (112). Here’s how you can save lives! You shouldn’t mention drugs over the phone—just say there’s an unconscious person, and then inform the emergency medical services about the use of GBL/GHB/BDO when they arrive. While on the scene, emergency responders are bound by confidentiality toward the club or the police, but to ensure optimal treatment, they must be informed in as much detail as possible about the substances consumed, etc.

In clubs, the door staff are generally responsible for handling emergencies. Since they are also the authority that enforces, among other things, G-bans, people are sometimes reluctant to turn to them in the event of a G-emergency. However, emergencies must not be concealed, nor should the response to them be delayed!

Always place an unconscious person in the recovery position to prevent them from choking on their own vomit. Stay with the person and monitor their breathing. A wheezing sound, which may sound like snoring, can be a sign of breathing difficulties.

If someone has stopped breathing, you must keep them alive by performing CPR until emergency services arrive!

People who fall asleep while high on G are often unaware of this fact, or may have no sense of the duration or intensity of their sleep afterward. When they wake up, they are still high and may not realize there is a problem.

Recommendation: In cases like these, if you help people understand and acknowledge that it was an overdose, they’ll be more likely to learn from it.

Recommendation: If someone is already nodding off on G—meaning they’ve overdosed on the substance—then the party—or at least their G use—should be over for that person!

Guide to First Aid in a (Drug-Related) Emergency

More Information on First Aid for Chemsex Emergencies

Mixed consumption

As a general rule, using multiple substances at the same time places a greater strain on the body and mind. This can cause individual effects to be intensified, weakened, or delayed. The likelihood of an overdose or side effects is unpredictable.
Mixing substances can cause you to fall asleep suddenly and may lead to side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness—or even respiratory arrest.
Mixing G with other depressants such as alcohol, poppers, ketamine, opiates, barbiturates, GABAergics (e.g., pregabalin, phenibut, or baclofen), or benzodiazepines intensifies G’s paralyzing effects. This can lead to life-threatening respiratory paralysis! Avoid mixing substances with G!
Mixing BDO with alcohol is life-threatening and should be avoided at all costs! Both substances are metabolized in the body by the same enzymes and through the same pathways; however, alcohol has a higher affinity. As a result, no BDO is metabolized as long as alcohol is still being processed; in other words, you won’t feel the effects of the BDO, which encourages taking another dose too soon or in excessive amounts. Once the alcohol has been metabolized, the potentially much too high dose of BDO is then metabolized, resulting in an overdose that may be life-threatening.
G + Viagra can cause a drop in blood pressure. This can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular failure.
When combined with speed, ecstasy, mephedrone, crystal meth, or cocaine, the effects of G can be suppressed. This increases the likelihood of an overdose due to taking another dose too quickly or in too large a quantity. The timing is highly complex: For example, when the stimulating effect of an “upper” wears off, the sedative effect of G can take full hold, and a dose that was previously fine can suddenly become problematic.
If taken at the same time as allergy medications, this can lead to circulatory problems and coma.
Medications used to treat epilepsy, such as valproate, phenytoin, and topiramate, combined with GBL/GHB/BDO can cause life-threatening interactions, in part because they inhibit the breakdown of GHB.
Do not consume GBL with dairy products; this can cause nausea and vomiting.

Addictive Potential and Withdrawal

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

Safer Use

Before Use

Make sure you know whether it’s GBL, GHB, or BDO. Adjust your dosage and safe distance accordingly. Use drug checking if available.
If drug checking isn’t possible, you can place the substance in the refrigerator (not the freezer): if it solidifies, it’s BDO (melting point at 20.1°C). If it remains liquid, place it in the freezer: if it stays liquid there as well, it is very likely GBL (melting point at -43.5°C; standard freezers cannot reach this temperature). If it solidifies, it is likely a GHB solution (due to the water, the melting point is approximately 0°C). Note that this is only an indication of which substance it is!
Pure G should only be stored in containers that no one would mistake for a drink —such as pipette bottles, pharmacy bottles, or chemical bottles. Above all, never leave pure G sitting out in a drinking vessel, especially at a party. A mix-up could cost lives!
Do not store GBL, GHB, and BDO in regular plastic bottles, as they will break them down over time. Use containers made of glass, metal, or HDPE plastic (e.g., chemical bottles, identifiable by the ♴ symbol and the label HDPE or PE-HD). BDO can also be stored in LDPE plastic. Make sure that not only the container but also the cap/lid and the seal are made of suitable material.
People with asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, or mental health issues should avoid consuming G.

When using

Never take G undiluted because of its corrosive properties. Dilute it at least 1:100 with a non-alcoholic liquid.
Always measure out G to the nearest milliliter using a graduated pipette or a syringe without a needle. You can find graduated glass pipette bottles from online retailers. Syringes without needles are available at any pharmacy. The syringe should have a maximum volume of 2 ml so that you can measure precisely. Over time, G can cause the markings on syringes to fade—replace them in a timely manner.
If you make a mistake while measuring out G—for example, if you can’t remember whether or how much you’ve already added to a drink—don’t take any chances: Pour it out and start over.
Do not pour G directly into your mouth (not even if there is liquid already in your mouth) 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., so they settle at the bottom of most beverages. Therefore, make sure to mix the drink well immediately before drinking it.
It’s best to take G on an empty stomach or with just a little food, as otherwise it may take longer to take effect and be metabolized more slowly. This also reduces the risks if you happen to vomit.
Never “slam ” (inject intravenously) GBL/GHB/BDO! Risk of poisoning and chemical burns to the veins.
You can protect yourself from an overdose by taking only small amounts.
If you take another dose, the subsequent dose must be significantly lower than the initial dose unless several hours have passed since the first dose. Even if the high is already wearing off, G is still active in your body. This is especially important with BDO, due to its slower metabolism.
Example: Half a dose of G can feel very subtle—which means, conversely, that even if you barely notice it anymore, you may still have half a dose in your system. Taking another half dose on top of that would bring you back to the effects of the initial dose. Taking a full dose, on the other hand, would significantly exceed the effect of the initial dose. (Risk of overdose)
Write down the time of your last dose. The best way to do this is with the GSafe app. It also sends you alerts if you try to take another dose “too soon” and helps you keep track of your usage. Keep in mind, however, that the app is primarily designed for GBL, since GHB and BDO have longer-lasting effects and the app won’t provide reliable warnings for them! The app is available for free for both iOS and Android in the App Store and Google Play, respectively.
Alternatively, or if you’ve consumed GHB or BDO instead of GBL, take a screenshot of your screen that includes the time. You can also, for example, 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.
If you experience any unpleasant side effects, stop taking additional doses.
Never combine G with alcohol, as these substances can interact in unpredictable ways, making an overdose much more likely.
Do not combine G with substances that have a relaxing or numbing effect (ketamine, benzodiazepines, opiates, sleeping pills, etc.). This is dangerous because it can lead to respiratory paralysis.
Do not use G alone. Unexpected side effects can always occur. Let your friends know if you have used GBL, GHB, or BDO.
Always measure out your own dose. Don’t delegate responsibility for this to others. That way, you’ll be able to keep track of things yourself.
It is never okay to administer substances to other people without their knowledge or consent! By doing so, you are endangering that person’s life and committing a crime. If you witness a situation like this, get help and protect the person involved.
Look out for one another, stay alert, and get help if necessary when someone isn’t feeling well.
Do not leave a drink mixed with G unattended. Others might drink it and, without knowing it, be exposed to its effects unintentionally.
Never leave drinks unattended, especially in a club setting or when you’re with people you don’t know; don’t drink anything that has been out of your sight for a long time. G is being misused to facilitate sexual assault and theft. G is barely noticeable in a drink and can lead to a loss of resistance and memory loss. G can be detected in urine for up to 12 hours. In suspected cases, you should go to the domestic violence clinic as soon as possible, as they will conduct a toxicological examination without involving the police. It is then up to you whether you report the incident separately to the police and file a complaint.
Avoid performing tasks that require responsibility while under the influence of substances. Leave your car at home, and decide for yourself which areas of your life should remain free of substance use.

Safe Sex

If necessary, clarify before you use what kind of sex you and your sexual partners want. G can lower your sexual inhibitions and may lead you to do things or choose partners that you wouldn’t while sober. Your willingness to take risks during sex may increase, and you might forget to use a condom or take PrEP.
G and poppers: Both lower blood pressure and cause respiratory paralysis. Risk of loss of consciousness and shortness of breath, up to and including respiratory arrest.
G and Viagra: causes a sharp drop in blood pressure, risk of circulatory collapse.
G can make it harder to come. Longer sex puts a strain on the condom. Change the condom after half an hour, or choose a different method of protection. Make sure you have plenty of safe sex supplies on hand.
Consume only enough so that you can still clearly express your consent (or lack thereof), your desires, and your boundaries, and still accurately perceive those of your partners.
I only have sex with people who can clearly express their wishes! If a person is so intoxicated that they are no longer capable of holding a conversation, they are also incapable of giving consent. Under no circumstances should sexual acts be performed on them (or continued). This applies even if mutual intentions were discussed earlier while the person was conscious. This is a criminal offense!
Be careful with sexual practices that carry a risk of injury (penetrative sex, fisting, dildos, anal plugs)—G has a relaxing effect. In addition to HIV, there is also a risk of hepatitis C infection.
Take care of your body! If you notice anything unusual on your penis, urethra, or anus, you should see a doctor.
Get tested for sexually transmitted infections at least once every six months and check your vaccination status for hepatitis A and B.

If you suspect that you were given G against your will or that sexual acts were performed on you while you were unconscious, you should have blood and/or urine samples taken and tested as soon as possible. The Charité’s Violence Protection Clinic in Berlin offers legally admissible assessments and documentation without the pressure to file a police report right away. The documentation is kept for 4 weeks, and you can take your time to decide whether you want to file a report.

If you have injuries in your genital area, you should go to a hospital or see a doctor to have the injuries documented and treated.

You can also get support from the counseling center of your choice:

Drug Interactions with HIV Therapy

Take substances and HIV medications at different times. This may help reduce interactions somewhat. Always use low doses of substances when taking them at the same time as medications.
The night can often be long—be sure to bring enough medication and take it at the scheduled times.
Talk to your doctor about how your HIV medications interact with recreational drugs.
Protease inhibitors can lead to lethal levels of GHB/GBL in the body even at low doses of GHB/GBL. Warning: High risk of respiratory depression, coma, and seizures!
Here you’ll find information about interactions between substances and HIV medications.

Consulting

Would you like to talk about your substance use? Do you have questions or are you looking for support regarding substance use? Would you like to share your experiences with substances with someone and/or reflect on them? Do you feel like you’re using too much? Are you worried about friends or acquaintances and looking for advice or tips on how to handle the situation as a friend? Counseling centers near you are happy to help!

Berlin Drug Emergency Service Helpline: 030 19237 (24 hours a day)