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High frequency users of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid are at greatest risk
for withdrawal delirium and psychosis if use is stopped abruptly.
Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is an increasingly popular drug of abuse,
and with its rise in use, reports of toxicity and lethality linked with it
are also starting to accumulate.
Via a survey administered to 42 users of GHB, researchers sought to
identify patterns of use of the drug as well as its effects and levels of
abuse.
Overall, they found that the drug is used mainly to increase feelings of
euphoria, relaxation and sexuality. Adverse effects related to its use
tend to occur more frequently in people who are daily users and polydrug
users than in those who use it occasionally.
However, 66 percent of the survey participants reported loss of
consciousness during use of the drug, and 28 percent reported overdosing.
Furthermore, amnesia during GHB use was reported by 13 percent of
participants and after use by 45 percent.
Three of the daily users in this study also developed a withdrawal
syndrome that presented with anxiety, agitation, tremor and delirium.
Three daily GHB users in the study suggested intoxication with GHB is
similar to that experienced with sedative-hypnotics or alcohol.
Regular use has also been shown to produce GHB tolerance and dependence,
study authors note.
Indeed, study participants who were dependent on GHB reported using
multiple daily doses and around the clock dosing.
It is these high-frequency users who appear to be at greatest risk for
developing withdrawal delirium and psychosis after abrupt discontinuation
of GHB use, study authors conclude.
[Am J Addict 2001;10:232-241
"Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid: Patterns of Use, Effects and
Withdrawal"]
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