GHB and GBL

GHB and GBL are closely related drugs with sedative effects. When GBL is taken, it is converted into GHB in the body, meaning both substances affect people in very similar ways.

They are sometimes used in nightlife or sexual settings but are extremely risky. The difference between a dose that feels manageable and a dose that causes overdose is very small.

Street names you might hear

Across the UK and North West, GHB and GBL may be known as:

  • G

  • Gina

  • Liquid ecstasy

  • Liquid G

  • Fantasy

These names can make the drugs sound less risky than they are, but GHB and GBL are among the most dangerous substances due to how easy it is to overdose.

What do GHB and GBL look like?

GHB and GBL usually appear as:

  • Colourless, oily liquids

Less commonly, they may be sold as:

  • Capsules

  • Powder or paste

GHB does have limited medical use, and GBL is used legally in some industrial products such as paint strippers or cleaning fluids. When supplied or used for swallowing, both are illegal.

What do they smell or taste like?

  • GHB has little or no smell and a salty, soapy taste

  • GBL has a very strong chemical taste and smell

Both can cause chemical burns if swallowed without being properly diluted.

How do people use GHB and GBL?

GHB and GBL are usually taken orally. Because they are corrosive, they are mixed into soft drinks rather than drunk on their own.

People often use:

  • Pipettes

  • Syringes

  • Small pre-measured vials

to measure doses very carefully. If the dose is not measured accurately, overdose is likely.

It is very easy to take too much. The difference between feeling the effects and becoming unconscious can be extremely small.

Injecting GHB or snorting GHB powder is rare and particularly dangerous.

How GHB and GBL can make you feel

The effects are often compared to alcohol.

People may feel:

  • Relaxed or euphoric

  • Drowsy or sleepy

  • Disinhibited

  • Sexually aroused

Because of these effects, some people use GHB or GBL in sexual settings.

How GHB and GBL can affect behaviour

GHB and GBL can:

  • Reduce inhibitions

  • Affect judgement

  • Make people vulnerable

Because they can cause rapid loss of consciousness, these drugs have been linked to sexual assault and spiking.

How long the effects last

Effects vary depending on dose and strength.

  • Effects can begin within 10 minutes to an hour

  • People should always wait at least two hours before taking more

Effects can last several hours.

GHB and GBL usually show up in urine for around 24 hours, although this can vary.

Physical health risks

GHB and GBL are very easy to overdose on.

Overdose can cause:

  • Vomiting

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Slowed or stopped breathing

  • Coma

  • Death

If not diluted properly, they can burn the mouth and throat.

Because people can pass out suddenly, there is also a risk of injury, choking, or assault.

Mental health risks

GHB and GBL can cause:

  • Confusion

  • Disorientation

  • Memory gaps

Regular use can increase the risk of dependence and severe withdrawal.

Mixing GHB or GBL with other substances

Mixing drugs always increases risk. Mixing GHB or GBL with other depressants is especially dangerous.

Avoid mixing with:

  • Alcohol

  • Opioids such as heroin or codeine

  • Tramadol

  • Benzodiazepines like diazepam or Xanax

  • Ketamine

These combinations greatly increase the risk of fatal overdose.

Dependence and withdrawal

People who use GHB or GBL regularly can develop dependence.

Withdrawal can be severe and may include:

  • Shaking

  • Confusion

  • Seizures

  • Loss of consciousness

  • Coma

Stopping suddenly without medical support can be life-threatening.

Staying safer

If someone is using GHB or GBL, harm reduction steps include:

  • Measuring every dose carefully using proper equipment

  • Waiting at least two hours before taking more

  • Never mixing with alcohol or other depressants

  • Avoiding use alone

  • Making sure trusted people know what has been taken

If someone becomes unresponsive, is vomiting, or has slow or shallow breathing, call 999 immediately. Seeking medical help will not get you into trouble.

Support from Wirral Ways

Wirral Ways offers free, confidential support for people affected by GHB or GBL use, including support around dependence and safer use.

We can help with:

  • One-to-one support

  • Harm reduction advice

  • Support to reduce or stop safely

  • Mental health and wellbeing support

  • Support around wider life issues

Support is tailored to you and your goals.

Worried about someone else?

If you are concerned about a friend, partner or family member, you can contact us for advice and support. You do not have to manage this alone.

Get support

You can contact Wirral Ways to access support:

  • Self-refer online

  • Speak to a member of our team

  • Visit one of our services

Support is available, and help is there when you’re ready.

Last Updated on 4 February 2026