Reducing the harm
The Drug Foundation’s message is clear: no drug use is the safest drug use. However, we know there will be occasions when people ignore warnings and use drugs in a dangerous manner. To help keep communities safe we therefore provide information about proven methods of drug harm reduction.
Because it is difficult to judge the concentration of GHB there can be a very fine line between the amount required to achieve the desired effect and the amount which leads to overdose and coma.
Extreme care should be taken with GHB, and use avoided if there is any doubt or uncertainty.
GHB should not be combined with other drugs, especially alcohol and other depressants. Combining it with other drugs intensifies its effects and increases risk of respiratory collapse and vomiting. If vomiting or convulsions occur immediate medial attention must be given and emergency staff must be promptly informed of what the user has taken. See our How to get help section for more information on managing an overdose or bad reaction to GHB.
The Expert Advisory Committee on Drugs has produced key messages for GHB users:
- After taking GHB do not drive a vehicle, operate heavy machinery, or engage in water-related activities.
- Do not take GHB when alone, or with strangers.
- Do not take drinks from strangers, or leave glasses unattended because someone might spike your drink.
GHB should be kept in a container that cannot be mistaken for a drinking container or water bottle. People have been known to colour their GHB with blue food colouring (hence the term ‘blue nitro’) to distinguish it from water. It is also recommended that those using GHB write ˜G" or ˜GHB" on their hand so that if trouble occurs, others including medical staff will be aware it has been taken.
