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Safer chemsex

About and using G

With some overlap, GHB and GBL content on this website is split between three locations:

GHB and GBL are two closely related drugs often referred to simply as 'G'
GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate)

A white-ish salt powder and as a clear liquid with almost no smell and a soapy salty taste.
For recreational use on the chemsex scene, it is most usually found in clear liquid form (the salt powder dissolved in water).
It can also be found as a paste or in capsules though this is less common.

GBL (gamma-butyrolactone)

An industrial-strength solvent used an alloy cleaner, paint stripper, and for removing graffiti.
Produced as a clear liquid and has a sharp bitter chemical taste and smell.
Turns into GHB once ingested (inside the body).
Can be 2-3 times stronger than GHB, the effects can come on quicker, and be more unpredictable.

Reducing ‘G’ risks

Use a syringe to precisely measure doses.
Make sure you can read the measurements as G removes the markings off syringes. Use a fresh syringe or mark the barrel with knife or pen.
If you use a pipette or soy sauce ‘fish’ bottle, make sure you can measure accurately. They look similar but different bottles and different pipettes hold different amounts.
Mixing G with alcohol or ketamine increases the risks of overdose. It can impact the effect of the G, making safer dosing more difficult. Stick to soft drinks to mix.
Safer use is about the right dose at the right time. Dosage intervals and results vary from person to person. Go slow, build up or STOP if you are uncertain.
It’s easy to make up a dose in a drink but then forget whether you’ve put it in there. If in doubt: chuck it out and start again.
Make a note of when you take your G using your phone’s notepad or use the stopwatch to keep time between doses.
Keeping track of the time between doses can help reduce your risk of needing a wake-up call in an Emergency Department (A&E) department or intensive care.

‘G’ dependence and withdrawal

Regular use of G builds tolerance, meaning users need to take more to feel the same effects.
G has the potential of being highly addictive and daily/ regular use can lead to severe, physical withdrawal symptoms which require medical help.
If you have been taking G regularly for long periods, you can become dependent.
Don’t use for more than two days in a row to reduce the likelihood of developing a physical dependency to G and the risk of dangerous withdrawal.
For users physically dependent on G, one of the biggest risks is the rapid onset of ‘withdrawal syndrome’, which can be potentially fatal. Within a few hours of their last dose, they start to develop cravings for more G and can become anxious, sweaty, agitated, and confused.
In a matter of hours, withdrawal can rapidly escalate, progressing to hallucinations, delirium and life-threatening seizures.
Users experiencing these symptoms are likely to require admission to an accident and emergency department (A&E).
It can be very dangerous to suddenly stop so seek support talk from a drug service, GP or an Emergency Department (A&E) before attempting to stop.

Spiking: drinks and lubricant with ‘G’
Spiking is when alcohol or drugs are added to drinks without an individual knowing - so without their consent. There are a small but increasing number of reported instances of drinks and lubricants being spiked with G with the intent of sexual assault, rape, and murder, including burglary and theft. This includes lube in syringe lubricant applicators, or syringes (without needles) before it is inserted up the bum.

Some guys fantasise about consensual rough sex and rape scenarios when taking any recreational drug increases the risk of harm and is potentially life-threatening. To reduce risks:

Measure, check and drink your own doses and don’t leave drinks unattended.
If you come back to a drink later throw it away, wait an hour before dosing again, starting slowly.
Take a supply of your own lubricant if playing with a partner(s) for the first time.
Ensure consent is given freely and safe words are agreed.
Seek help if you think you’ve been a victim of spiking, sexual assault or robbery.

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