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A Web‐Based Study of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB): Patterns, Experiences, and Functions of Use
Author(s) -
Stein L.A.R.,
Lebeau Rebecca,
Clair Mary,
Martin Rosemarie,
Bryant Monte,
Storti Susan,
Monti Peter
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the american journal on addictions
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.997
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-0391
pISSN - 1055-0496
DOI - 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2010.00099.x
Subject(s) - gamma hydroxybutyrate , dosing , mood , medicine , psychiatry , coping (psychology) , adverse effect , drug , psychology , pharmacology
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. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–10)