"GHB": the drug rapists use to neutralize their victims.

A potentially dangerous substance.

The GHB (or gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) is often referred to as liquid ecstasyalthough it has nothing to do with ecstasy (or MDMA) or other amphetamine-like substances.

What is GHB?

This drug, which is used by rapists, is a central nervous system central nervous system (CNS) depressant (CNS) that was used during the 1960s as an anesthetic. However, GHB was withdrawn from the pharmaceutical market due to its side effects. It is currently used in the treatment of some diseases such as narcolepsy.

GHB has unpredictable effects on each person and they are usually euphoric (in low doses) and sedative (high doses), which make this substance extremely dangerous. Due to its characteristics, it is used to carry out robberies or sexual aggressions, as well as Rohypnol or Burundanga (scopolamine), since it annuls the will of the person and turns him/her into a helpless person.

Generally, GHB comes in the form of a white powder or a colorless, odorless liquid colorless and odorless, with a slightly salty taste, and is distributed on the illegal market in small ampoules or vials that are often mixed with a drink. Mixing with alcohol is very dangerous. The main complication of GHB consumption is acute intoxication. During the last few years there have been quite a few cases of coma, and also deaths due to its use.

The use of this drug to commit rape

GHB as well as Rohypnol or Scopolamine are used to facilitate date rapes or to "drug" the victim at the discotheque and then abuse her when the substance takes effect. Since GHB is a colorless and odorless substance, it is easily poured into the victim's drink and consumed unnoticed and consumed unnoticed by the victim. When the drug takes effect, it incapacitates the victim and prevents her from defending herself from sexual assault. GHB is now known as "easy rape.easy rape”.

Therefore, the purpose of the sex offender is to sedate the person he is going to sexually abuse, to diminish his resistance or to provoke the total loss of consciousness of the victim. Since GHB is short-lived, it is difficult to find traces in a urine sample if more than one day has passed. Victims often report the drug after this period, as they feel ashamed and sometimes guilty about what happened.

Effects of GHB

GHB is a central nervous system depressant and is taken orally. The effects begin about 15 minutes after ingestion and last from 1 to 3 hours.. As with alcohol, depending on the dose it produces different effects.

In solid state, with low to medium doses (1-2g) the predominant effects are empathic effect, euphoria or disinhibition.. With higher doses (2-4g), the effects are amplified, and incoordination, visual distortion, deep relaxation and tendency to drowsiness may occur. This is because GHB binds to at least two classes of neuronal receptors: at low doses it binds to the GHB receptor, which is excitatory, and at high doses it also binds to the GABA-B receptor (inhibitory), which produces sedative effects.

GHB is especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol, a combination that can lead to coma and be fatal, as has been reported on several occasions.

The brain manufactures GHB

Although GHB is manufactured in the laboratory, it is also produced in the brain, it is also produced in the brain (endogenous substance). Some of the highest concentrations are found in the substantia nigra, thalamus and hypothalamus of the brain.

Many scientists claim that it acts as a neurotransmitter, and several functions are attributed to it, such as the regulation of sleep cycles, temperature, cerebral glucose metabolism, Blood flow, memory and emotional control. It would also have a neurological protective action against the negative effects of hypoxia and excessive metabolic demands.

Clinical use of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid

Although GHB has been used as a general anesthetic, and for the treatment of insomnia or clinical depression, it is currently used only for the treatment of narcolepsy, since there is a potential for abuse and serious side effects in its consumption.

It is marketed under the name Xyrem and is available only at certified pharmacies, under a special program called the Xyrem Success Program. The drug is taken before bedtime, as it enhances deep sleep and increases nighttime sleep time, while reducing the number of sleep periods during the day, which improves narcolepsy symptoms.

Other uses of GHB

In addition to the above uses, GHB continues to be used for other illegal purposes. Many young people recreational use and consume it in nightclubs or at raves. It is commonly known as "liquid ecstasy" and is often mixed with alcohol. This has led to several cases of overdose.

On the other hand, it is also used by bodybuilders, it is also used by bodybuilders. It became very popular in the United States because of its anabolic and "fat-burning" effect, since its consumption produces muscle gain and better definition, as well as a euphoric effect. GHB increases the secretion of growth hormone. Although its use was banned in the 1990s, it continues to be sold illegally. The great concern of the authorities is the sale through the Internet.

Here is a video about the use of GHB to commit rape. Take a look at it: