title: A web-based study of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB): patterns, experiences, and functions of use.
abstract: GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) was developed as a general anesthetic. Due to dosing difficulty and side effects, regular use was discontinued. Medical uses include treating sleep and alcohol disorders. In the 1990s, it was promoted as a supplement and taken to improve mood and sex. GHB and its analogs (gamma butyrolactone and butanediol) were widely available until federal regulations were put into effect with mounting evidence of adverse events. This survey (N = 61) study was conducted to assess patterns, experiences, and functions of use. Much of what is understood regarding GHB treatment is based on hospital case studies for overdose and withdrawal. Not enough is known about prevention, reducing use and associated problems, or relapse. We know little about specific drug effect expectancies, triggers, coping skills, and consequences of use (positive/negative). While the drug treatment literature has a wealth of information to draw upon, GHB-specific information may greatly assist relapse prevention.
authors.affiliation: Social Sciences Research Center, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, 02881, USA. LARStein@URI.EDU.
authors.forename: L A R
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lebeau
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Clair
authors.forename: Rosemarie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Monte
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bryant
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Storti
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Monti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017281:Cost of Illness; D055030:Drug Users / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D012651:Self Medication / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000523:psychology*; D012978:Sodium Oxybate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology*
chemical_list: D012978:Sodium Oxybate