View source for Harm Reduction: GBL/GHB harm reduction

GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutirate) was discoverde by 1950s. It was used in clinical practice between 1960 and 1970 as a sleeping pill and/or anaesthetic (in combination with other drugs) because of its low adverse effects and short duration of action, although it soon fell into disuse.

GBL/GHB<br>
Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) is the immediate chemical precursor of GHB. It is a reagent with multiple applications in chemistry and cosmetics that can be purchased relatively easily over the Internet. The transformation of GBL into GHB is an extraordinarily simple process through reaction with sodium hydroxide (NaOH, caustic soda), ,potassium hydroxide (KOH) or sodium bicarbonate

This process is easy but require some cautions

It must be carried out in a glass vessel that can withstand high temperatures, using suitable products in the appropiate order. A precision balance is necessary to calculate exact weight of each component.

It is not too important if the final product contains too much GBL. But too much NaOH can cause serious health problems. The reaction produces a lot of heat and serious burns can occur. So wear protection glasses and gloves and pour slowly products.

Trustworthy guidelines for this process are available at: [Will import these post soon]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Comparison of GBL and GHB
|-
! GBL !! GHB
|-
| Non scheduled || Included in UN Conventions (Scheduled)
|-
| Subtle chemical smell || Non odour
|-
| Disgusting taste || Lightly salted
|-
| Corrosive to some plastics, irritative to mucous membranes || Non corrosive
|}

The differences between GBL and GHB are important in terms of dosage. On the one hand, GBL has a higher density (weight units that fit in each volume unit) than GHB (1.6 g/ml vs. 1.002 g/ml). On the other hand, GBL and GHB molecules have different weights.

The effects of (solid) drugs are usually expressed by weight (micrograms like LSD, milligrams like MDMA or amphetamines...). In this case, the liquid presentation means that we also refer to the volume (ml).

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Comparison of GHB and GBL Effects and Dosages
|-
! GHB weight !! GHB volume !! GBL volume !! Effects
|-
| Below 1 gr || Below 1 ml || Below 0.6 ml || Decreased anxiety, moderate disinhibition
|-
| 1-2 gr || 1-2 ml || 0.6-1.25 ml || Feeling of relaxation, changes in music perception, dizziness, speech blurry
|-
| 2-4 gr || 2-4 ml || 0.25-2.5 ml || Feeling of relaxation, changes in music perception, dizziness, speech blurry
|-
| Corrosive to some plastics, irritative to mucous membranes || Non corrosive || || 
|}

<strong>Dosage and frequency</strong><br>
At doses of 1-2 grams / 0.5- 2 ml of pure GBL/GHB) it produces an effect relatively similar to that of alcohol (euphoria, disinhibition, loquacity, relaxation...). The effects begin 20-30 minutes after intake and last for about two hours. It is possible to prolong the effects by administering doses of 0.5-1.5 ml every 1-2 hours.
Increasing the dose also increases the risk of depressant effects (incoordination, dizziness, drowsiness...).

<strong>Overdose</strong><br>
Overdose is the most frequent and important hazard of GHB, occurring with a relatively high frequency:▪.

The margin of safety of GHB is less than that of other substances. Doses above 3 grams can produce deep sleep.
▪ The fact that it can be diluted in water makes proper dosing difficult.
▪ Mixing GHB with depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, ketamine...) increases the risk of intoxication exponentially.

<strong>Dependence</strong><br>
Prolonged use of GHB (over a few weeks) can lead to the development of dependence. In these cases, abrupt cessation of GHB use can trigger a withdrawal syndrome (similar to that of alcohol or benzodiazepines) characterized by tremor, hallucinations, tachycardia, insomnia and, in severe cases, rhabdomyolysis, seizures and delirium.
Symptoms usually manifest approximately 24 hours after the last exposure and can last up to two weeks

<strong>Pharmacological treatment of withdrawal syndrome is based:</strong><br>
Use of benzodiazepines such as diazepam or lorazepam during weeks
Progressive tapering of the dose of GHB during weeks

Both strategies have shown to be effective in some studies.
== Credit ==
Full credit goes towards DoctorX on Dread! (sourced from /post/ca93ffda5e25e2181f05) - http://www.doctorcaudevilla.com/doctorx