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Across long weekends of music and partying in the early to mid-2000s, the depressant became a drug of choice.
While GHB’s potential to produce strong sedative effects cemented its reputation as a ‘date rape drug’ in the early 2000s, Mel says she would adhere to strict rules around it to avoid these effects: she would not drink alcohol while taking GHB, she would use a precise dropper for dosages and always make a note on her phone to clock the time and the amount taken.
“I was always a trepidatious person when it came to recreational drug taking, any risk-taking behaviour — that might sound silly, given the risks — but I always dipped a toe before doing anything,” Mel says.
“The group I partied with was mostly quite responsible when it came to using it.”
The popularity of taking GHB recreationally is growing in Australia at the moment. However, the experience varies heavily depending on the dose.
In small amounts, the illicit drug can produce feelings of euphoria, disinhibition and increased libido.
But differences of as little as 0.5ml can lead to overdose, including loss of consciousness, respiratory depression (slowed or shallow breathing that can stop entirely), muscle twitching and seizures.
Combining GHB with alcohol can drastically increase the risk of severe side effects.
