title: GHB use among Australians: characteristics, use patterns and associated harm.
abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) users, their GHB and other drug use patterns, and the harms associated with GHB use. Seventy-six GHB users were recruited and administered a structured interview on GHB use and related harms. GHB users appeared to be a stable, highly educated and well-functioning group. They had had extensive experience with a range of drugs, and GHB was typically used in conjunction with other drugs. Despite the fact that most GHB users had not had a long or extensive experience with GHB use, the proportion reporting significant negative side effects when using GHB was high (99% reported at least one), and the mean number of side effects ever experienced was 6.5. Notably, half (52%) reported becoming unconscious, 53% reported vomiting, 58% reported profuse sweating, and 8% reported having a fit or seizure. The high rate of problems reported by a group with limited use of this drug suggests that in a context of polydrug use, GHB use is associated with significant risks to users.
authors.affiliation: National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia. l.degenhardt@unsw.edu.au
authors.forename: Louisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Degenhardt
authors.forename: Shane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Darke
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dillon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000009:adverse effects; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs; D012978:Sodium Oxybate