Other Names: GBH, Liquid Ecstasy, Blue Nitro, Midnight Blue, Serenity, Easy Lay

GHB? Never heard of it…is it new?

Sort of. It's just getting big on the club scene though it's been popular in the gay community since the nineties. GHB's an anaesthetic and sleep disorder medicine. It comes in small bottles or capsules of a colourless, smell-less liquid which tastes a bit salty. You take it by downing small capsules or teaspoons of the fluid.

But what does it do?

Depends on the dose. A small dose can make you feel happy, high, relaxed, talkative and uninhibited - a bit like an E. But it's a sleepier, more 'alcohol-like' and sensual effect. Some people find it makes them really horny & that sex is good on it because they get a heightened sense of touch, stronger orgasms and guys stay harder for longer. And the effects can last all day - imagine…

Can I get done for using GHB?

Yes - until very recently it was legal but the authorities have woken up to GHB’s harmful effects and use in drug-assisted rapes and made it a class C. The maximum penalty for possessing it is two years in jail, while for possession with intent to supply it’s five years.

So it’s like E AND it makes you good in bed? Cool!

Steady on. There is big fat downside to GHB too, and its nickname GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm) is spot on:

• It is VERY easy to overdose on GHB. Higher doses can make you sleepy, giggly, slur your words, wet yourself and lose your co-ordination - and remember that the effects can last all day. Nice.
• Taking too much can cause vomiting, choking, fits, stiff muscles, spasms, unconsciousness and even coma. This is where you'll wish you just stole one of Grandad's Viagra and stuck to Diamond White instead.
• GHB lowers your blood pressure which can lead to breathing difficulties.
• The sodium hydroxide in badly-made DIY GHB (and you can't tell the difference just by looking) can burn your mouth and windpipe.
• It can be fatal when mixed with other drugs, especially alcohol.
• And let's not forget the possible risk of having unprotected sex with someone you'd never otherwise give the time of day to - such are GHB's disinhibiting & aphrodisiac effects. GHB is a well-known date-rape drug.

I still want to try some - any tips?

• Start small - getting the dose right is key, and GHB's strength & concentration varies wildly. So start with a little dose - half a capful - and then wait an hour for it to kick in.
• Only top up every two hours and no earlier - don't be greedy and think that doing more will heighten the pleasure. It'll probably just knock you out.
• Stick to low doses to get the best effect.
• Be very careful who you do it with since it can leave you open and vulnerable. You're best off doing it somewhere you feel safe, with people you trust - preferably one of whom is not that 'out of it' and can look after you if you get into difficulties.
• Make sure you and your mates know how to put someone in the recovery position & call an ambulance if they pass out/collapse/start vomiting.
• Do it on an empty stomach and do not mix with other drugs - especially not other downers like alcohol, painkillers or tranquilisers -you could wind up with respiratory collapse or in a coma.
• Don't even think about driving while on it - and again, remember the effects can last 24 hours.
• Leave it out altogether if you're asthmatic, have breathing problems or low blood pressure.
• Finally, never spike someone's drink with GHB - it is not big, clever or funny, and could potentially kill them.