GHB-RELATED deaths have increased 10-fold since 2013, while the number of hospitalisations more than tripled, according to an Australian-first study from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) at UNSW Sydney.
Despite rates of GHB use being fairly low compared to other illicit drugs such as MDMA, cocaine and methamphetamine, the proportion of Australians reportedly using the sedative drug is rising.
At low doses, GHB can cause euphoria, increased libido and lowered inhibitions, while at higher doses it acts as a depressant, slowing down breathing and heart rate, and potentially leading to loss of consciousness.
In a study published in Addiction, the researchers have highlighted the need for improved prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies for GHB, as well as better public health messaging.
"What we're seeing is a clear and accelerating trend - harms from both GHB and its precursors 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) are rising rapidly," said Associate Professor Amy Peacock, who is deputy director of NDARC and senior author of the study.
"These numbers are a cause for alarm; without targeted action, the situation will only worsen, and more people will be harmed."
Harm reduction messages should focus on the dangers of taking multiple doses and mixing GHB with other substances, such as alcohol, ketamine and other depressants, A/Prof Peacock said, noting the drug's relatively low overdose threshold and heightened risk of dependence. JM
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