Millions of people in the United States live with substance abuse and addiction. People may use addictive substances for many reasons, including curiosity and wanting the drugs’ effects. Certain drugs called “club drugs” are popular among people who want to increase energy and sociability.
GHB is a type of club or party drug that can cause feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and a “high.” This drug is common among people wanting to increase their high. People may also give it to others unknowingly to facilitate a sexual assault.
This article will explore how long GHB stays in your system. You will learn:
- The effects of GHB abuse
- How long the effects of GHB last
- How long GHB remains in your body
- Where to find substance use disorder (SUD) treatment
If you or someone you love abuses GHB or other substances, help is available at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to explore our programs or schedule an intake appointment.
What is GHB?
GHB is the shortened name of a drug called gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Other names for GHB include:
- The date rape drug
- Roofies
- Rope
- Liquid ecstasy
- Mind eraser
- Forget-me pill
- La Rocha
- Lunch money
- Pingus
- Roaches
- Trip-and-fall
- Wolfies
GHB is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, meaning it slows brain activity. People who take GHB may feel sedated, euphoric, or calm. Some users also report an increase in libido while using it.
Some people refer to GHB as “the date rape drug.” People may give GHB to victims by slipping it into a drink. The victim typically becomes heavily sedated, preventing them from resisting sexual assault. GHB can also impair memory, meaning the victim may not remember the assault clearly.
Some people use GHB recreationally, meaning that they take it for its desirable side effects. GHB is common at raves, music festivals, and other parties. However, the effects of GHB can be very harmful. It’s important to understand the risk of this “party drug” and seek treatment if you struggle to stop using it.
Effects of GHB
GHB can cause desirable side effects, including:
- A feeling of calm and tranquility
- Euphoria (intense pleasure, happiness, and well-being)
- Increased sex drive
However, some GHB users experience immediate, unwanted side effects, including:
- Loss of consciousness
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Poor coordination
- Memory problems
- Hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t real)
- Excessive sweating
- Feeling “slowed down”
- Confusion and disorientation
Taking high doses of GHB can have more dangerous effects. At high doses, GHB can cause:
- Coma
- Respiratory depression
- Excessive sedation
- Seizures
- Death
Combining GHB with alcohol or other sedatives can increase the risk of severe side effects. Mixing GHB and other street drugs like MDMA, cocaine, or methamphetamine can also cause severe complications.
Understanding GHB Abuse
Repeated GHB use can result in symptoms of dependence, including tolerance and cravings. People may also experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it. GHB withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Psychosis
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Elevated heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Excessive sweating
These and other withdrawal symptoms can make it very challenging for people to stop using GHB when they want to. Over time, people can take dangerously high doses of GHB, increasing their risk of overdose and other complications.
People who abuse GHB or develop symptoms of depression must seek treatment and continuing support to quit safely.
How Long Can Drug Testing Detect GHB in Your System?
The effects of GHB typically start within about ten minutes of ingesting it. The effects may last up to seven hours.
The body begins to metabolize GHB as soon as it reaches the bloodstream. However, people may experience effects even longer than it takes to clear it from the body.
Drug tests do not typically test for GHB in the body. However, medical professionals may use specialized testing methods to detect GHB. Here is an overview of the detection window for different types of drug tests.
Urine tests
Urine testing is the most common form of drug testing in the US. It is inexpensive and non-invasive, making it ideal in medical settings, screening employees, and other purposes. GHB may be detected in urine for up to 12 hours after someone ingests it.
Saliva tests
Medical professionals may use saliva testing to confirm the results of a urine test. A saliva test may detect the presence of GHB for up to six hours after someone ingests it.
Blood tests
Medical professionals typically rely on blood tests to test for the presence of GHB because they are the most accurate type of testing. GHB may be detected in blood for up to eight hours after someone ingests it.
Hair tests
Hair testing has the longest detection window but is the least common form of testing. Hair testing may detect GHB for up to 30 days after a person’s last dose.
Find Addiction Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our holistic treatment and recovery support programs. You may reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): What is GHB?
- National Institute of Health (NIH): GHB Urine Concentrations After Single-Dose Administration in Humans
- Journal of Analytical Toxicology: Extended Detection Window for Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate in the Urine of an Elderly Woman
