GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) and BDO (1,4-butanediol) are GHB precursors, i.e. they are converted by the body into GHB. GHB is closely related to endogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and activates certain GABA receptors. GABA is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and regulates sleep-wake cycles, memory functions and growth hormones, among other things. GHB/GBL/BDO can have stimulating as well as relaxing and calming effects, depending on the phase of action, dosage and individual metabolism. In medicine, GHB is used in the treatment of narcolepsy and I some countries also against the withdrawal syndrome in alcohol dependence.
Extremely dose-dependent and varies greatly from person to person. The spectrum of effects ranges from euphoria, relaxation, disinhibition, increase in sexual desire, intensification of perception, urge to talk (babbling flash), slight dizziness, nausea, drowsiness to deep sleep with unconsciousness (film rupture). GHB/GBL/BDO have a sexually stimulating effect and at the same time alter consciousness. Under the influence, you will assess situations differently. If you use GHB/GBL/BDO during sex, clarify boundaries, practices and protection with your sexual partners before use.
Onset of effect
10-20 min. after ingestion
Effective duration
1-3 hrs.
Aftereffects
2 to 4 hrs.
GHB and GBL are usually sold in liquid form, but GHB can also be found in powder form. The dosage of liquids depends on how diluted they are sold. Dosing GBL is even trickier than GHB, as not every body metabolizes the substance at the same rate. GBL is a strong acid that can corrode the mucous membranes and must be heavily diluted with a non-alcoholic drink before drinking.
If in doubt, the following applies: approach the dosage slowly to avoid unconsciousness and life-threatening consequences.
The dosage information is based on 100 % pure content.
Swallowed
Low dose
GHB: 1 - 2 ml (powder form: 0.5 - 1 gram)
GBL: 0.5 - 0.9 ml
BDO: 0.5 - 1.0 ml
Average dose
GHB: 2 - 3 ml (powder form: 1 - 2 grams)
GBL: 0.9 - 1.5 ml
BDO: 1.0 - 2.5 ml
High dose
GHB: 3 - 4 ml (powder form: 2 - 3 grams)
GBL: 1.5 - 2.0 ml
BDO: 2.5 - 4.0 ml
Narcotic dose
GHB: more than 4 ml (powder form: more than 3 grams)
GBL: more than 2.0 ml
BDO: more than 4.0 ml
Analyzed GHB: 75 %
1 ml liquid = 0.75 ml GHB
So how much of my liquid do I need to take if I want a medium dose (2 ml of pure GHB)?
1 ml = 0.75 ml GHB
? = 2 ml GHB
average dose = 2 x 1 : 0.75 = 2.66 ml liquid
The higher the dose, the more likely headache, nausea, confusion, dizziness, uncontrollable muscle twitching, or unconsciousness will occur.
Already a deviation of one milliliter or the mixture with alcohol, sedatives or opiates can lead to overdose and life-threatening consequences up to death (respiratory depression!). Signs of an overdose are undisturbed or hardly disturbed sleep, unconsciousness, disappearance of reflexes and breathing difficulties. It is difficult to assess whether someone is only in deep sleep or is already in a life-threatening coma - if in doubt, always seek medical help.
Long-term risks:
Regular use can lead to sleep disturbances, anxiety and tremors; there is a risk of dependence with psychological and physical symptoms. Chronic high-dose use (multiple doses daily) results in severe physical withdrawal symptoms such as epileptic seizures upon discontinuation, which can be life-threatening. Regular use of high doses of GHB and especially repeated unconsciousness resulting from GHB ingestion (or mixed use with GHB) have a high risk of developing persistent disturbances in thinking and intellectual performance.
Consumption of alcohol before, during or after GHB/GBL use can lead to collapse even with small amounts of alcohol (risk of respiratory paralysis!). Mixed consumption with antiretroviral drugs (protease inhibitors, e.g. Kaletra, Reyataz, Crixivan, Norvir, Invirase) can intensify the effect of GHB/GBL in a life-threatening way even at low doses (risk of respiratory depression, coma, epileptic seizures!).
Increased risk behaviour due to disinhibiting effect and increased sexual desire. Also abused to make others sexually compliant ("knockout drops").
LSD analogues are substances that are chemically very similar to LSD and can have comparable effects. Some of them have been known for a long time (e.g. ALD52, ETH-LAD, AL-LAD, PRO-LAD etc.) and have been studied pharmacologically as well as psychopharmacologically, at least in part. Others are newer "creations" (e.g. the derivatives 1P-LSD,1B-LSD, 1cP-LSD, 1V-LSDetc.), for which only few or no data are available. Certain LSD analogues can (still) be legally produced, traded and consumed in some countries, which is the main reason for their distribution.
Most LSD analogues are naturally different from LSD in their effect and/or potency (e.g. ETH-LAD, AL-LAD, LSZ etc.). In contrast, the so-called 1-acylated LSD compounds (e.g. 1P-LSD, 1V-LSD, 1B-LSD, ALD-52, etc.) are presumed, on the basis of pharmacological studies, to convert into LSD in the body (they function as so-called prodrugs) and thus have a comparable psychoactive effect to LSD.
In the case of prodrugs of LSD and LSD analogues, it has not been conclusively clarified whether, in addition to their psychoactive effect, they can produce other pharmacological effects. How potent these prodrugs are compared to the resulting substance (e.g., 1P-LSD to LSD), and to what extent a delay in onset of action occurs in each case, may be substance-dependent and cannot be generalized. Therefore, it is important to approach the dose/effect carefully to avoid overdoses.
If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or alcohol, call an ambulance on 144. Tell the emergency responders everything you know.
It could save lives.