The Effects of GHB Abuse

GHB, or gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, is a drug that comes in liquid, tablets, capsules or powder form. The drug is usually ingested with alcohol. GHB can be mixed with other potentially harmful drugs when in powder or liquid form, as noted by MayoClinic.com. Taking GHB can prove to be disastrous, as the drug can cause various harmful effects.

Short-Term Effects

• You might experience an increased state of intoxication in the short term. The drug causes excitability, excessive talking, relaxation, loss of coordination and difficulty paying attention. Other effects include dizziness and drowsiness. According to Drug Rehab, the effects of GHB start within 20 minutes of ingestion and can last for four hours.

Long-Term Effects

• Taking GHB for an extended period of time can cause hallucinations, slurred speech, headaches and tremors. Wanting to sleep all the time and speaking incoherently are effects as well.

Mixing

• Taking drinks mixed with GHB can cause impairment.

  When combined with alcohol, you will develop impaired judgment and loss of consciousness. GHB has been used as a date rape drug because of the drug's ability to make a victim develop amnesiac-like symptoms. Consumption of alcohol with GHB can result in higher intoxication levels to maintain the drug's effects. Continuing to increase the levels of GHB in alcohol can result in a lethal dose.

Overdose

• Abusing GHB can quickly result in an overdose. Taking large quantities of the drug results in the inability to excrete GHB from your body. As a result, you can lapse into a coma, develop respiratory distress and die. Overdosing can also cause liver failure and seizures. As stated by The Anti-Drug, GHB has been banned by the FDA because of the drug's effects.