GHB Statistics on Usage and Abuse
In This Article
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an illegal central nervous system (CNS) depressant. It’s gained notoriety as a recreational or party drug. It’s also been used in drug-facilitated sexual assault.
There’s a growing concern for GHB abuse within certain demographics and social contexts. This article examines the most recent GHB trends, demographics, and hospitalization statistics.
Examining these data points can help provide a comprehensive overview of GHB and its impact on people. It can also help provide insights for identifying trends and creating effective interventions.
Noteworthy GHB Statistics
- Prevalence: The prevalence of GHB use among the general population is low, with only 0.05% of noninstitutionalized US adults reporting GHB use between 2015 to 2020. However, usage rates can be as high as 20% for lifetime use and 5.4% for use in the last six months among certain subpopulations, such as gay and bisexual men.
- Demographics: GHB usage is more prevalent among sexual minority groups. Gay men, in particular, have an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 27.82 for GHB use compared to heterosexual men.
- Deaths: The mean age of GHB-related deaths is 31.5 years, with more than 70% of cases being male.
- Hospital Visits: In 2011, there were 2,406 emergency department (ED) visits involving GHB in the United States. People aged 18 to 25 account for 58% of all GHB mentions in drug-related emergency department visits.
Trends in GHB Use Over Time
GHB usage trends have fluctuated over the years, but overall usage rates remain relatively low.
- Monitoring the Future (MTF) data indicate that GHB use from 2015 to 2020 has not exceeded 2.0% among adolescents and young adults in any year, suggesting limited and possibly declining use among these populations.
- The Office of Justice Programs noted that GHB-related emergency room visits nationwide increased from 20 in 1992 to an estimated 629 in 1996, with the majority of episodes occurring among 18 to 25-year-olds (66%), Caucasians (94%), and males (79%).
- In the United States, where GHB has been subject to more stringent legal restrictions, there has been a more likely cessation of GHB use, with legal and related reasons more commonly invoked for cessation.
Demographics of GHB Users
GHB usage is not evenly distributed across all demographic groups, with certain populations showing higher prevalence rates.
- Studies show that gay and bisexual men are much more likely to use GHB than heterosexual men. The numbers suggest it’s about 28 times more likely.
- In a prospective Australian study, close to 20% of gay and bisexual men reported lifetime GHB use, and 5.4% reported use in the last six months.
- The typical GHB user, based on a sample, is described as young, single, living alone, well-educated, and often a student.
- Some studies suggest that GHB users are predominantly male, while others report a more equal distribution between men and women.
What Should You Know About GHB?
GHB is a Schedule I controlled substance in the U.S., meaning it has a high potential for abuse with no accepted medical use. However, there is an FDA-approved form of GHB, sodium oxybate (Xyrem), which is used to treat narcolepsy.
GHB is a colorless, odorless, bitter, or salty-tasting liquid. Alongside its amnesic effects, it’s become notorious as a date rape drug.
Additionally, it can be extremely dangerous when mixed with alcohol or other depressants. Mixing GHB with other drugs can increase the risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
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GHB Abuse Side Effects
GHB is known for its euphoric, sedative, and muscle-building effects. These effects typically begin within 15 to 30 minutes after taking the drug and last up to 3 to 6 hours.
However, long-term GHB use or abuse can lead to dangerous side effects. These include, but are not limited to:
- Severe memory problems
- Weight loss
- Heart disease
- Hallucinations
- Extreme anxiety
- Breathing problems
- Tremors
- Mood swings
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
- Respiratory collapse leading to coma or death
- Dependence
- Withdrawal symptoms
Overall, Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a dangerous illegal drug notoriously considered a “date rape” drug. Although the overall usage among the general population is low, it is notably high among certain demographics.
GHB use hasn’t exceeded 2.0% among adolescents and young adults, suggesting limited and possibly declining use. However, it’s still important to understand the complex dynamics of GHB abuse to develop effective treatment and prevention strategies.
GHB abuse can cause severe, if not dangerous, side effects. If you or someone you know is experiencing intense side effects, dependence, or withdrawal, contact a healthcare professional.
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- Palamar JJ. “Prevalence and Correlates of GHB Use among Adults in the United States.” J Psychoactive Drugs, 2023.
- Raposo et al. “Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Regular GHB-Users with and without GHB-Induced Comas.” Subst Use Misuse, 2020.
- DEA “Drug Fact Sheet: GHB.” Drug Enforcement Administration, 2020.
- Madah-Amiri et al. “Intoxication with GHB/GBL: characteristics and trends from ambulance-attended overdoses.” Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med, 2017.
- Liakoni et al. “Presentations to an urban emergency department in Switzerland due to acute γ-hydroxybutyrate toxicity.” Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med, 2016.
- “New report shows deaths related to GHB could have been prevented.” National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre, 2020.
- Neu et al. “GHB:a life-threatening drug complications and outcome of GHB detoxification treatment—an observational clinical study. Addict Sci Clin Pract, 2023.
