[Main Page][GHB FAQ][Meta-FAQ][Supply FAQ][Therapy FAQ]
[References][Glossary][Link To the Outside World]
[Quick answers from the GHB FAQ Crisis Center]
What
is GHB?
(link to the short answer)
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate.
"An endogenous* regulator
of energy metabolism [45]?
A putative neurotransmitter" [74]?
"An emerging drug of abuse that causes physical dependence" [33]?
"An agent of acute poisoning" [52]?
A "remarkably safe and nontoxic hypnotic* which is reported to be free of
addicting properties?" [4]
This isn't the right place to start.
What is GHB? HOCH2CH2CH2COO-Na. A drug. A
nutrient.
A short-chain fatty acid with diverse effects on neurochemistry. "Liquid Gold."
What is GHB? An interesting byproduct of metabolism, a minor sidelight to the mighty neurotrnasmitted GABA. A bit player in the tangled soap opera of the brain, elevated to momentary stardom by the machinations of that same kilo of jiggly organics.
What is GHB? An orally active GABA precursor (it really isn't). A white powder or a soapy-tasting liquid sold in clubs; an invisible chemical manufactured in the brain's dark sulci* when winter falls or tragedy strikes.
What is GHB? A drug. A powerful treatment for narcolepsy and alcoholism, a tranquilizer, a sociabilizing* psychoactive. A drug with decades of therapeutic uses behind it. The media's newest recipient of the "date-rape drug" sobriquet. The metabolic product of a number of over-the-counter supplements with silly names and misleading labels.
The GHB FAQ exists to give readers an introduction to GHB's effects, uses, and dangers. There are many such documents already available, but to try and winnow the truth from their "Is not! Is too!" ravings can be a prescription for despair. My goal is to end the game.
: : : : The assertions here are linked as closely as possible to trustworthy references (the bracketed numbers). Jargon is included only when needed to avoid condescending oversimplifications, and is accompanied by links to the glossary (the asterisks). My e-mail address is everywhere. If I can do anything to make the information here more clear or useful, please don't hesitate to ask...
I would love to hear from people who think they have found errors. This goes for both the factual statements of the FAQ and for the author himself. Am I a misguided fool? Are my intentions evil? Am I part of Vice-president Gore's spiritual evil that's eating our country alive? Let me know. Like my mother always said, the best remedy for bad uses of free speech is more speech.
Next Segment: What are GHB's effects?
Table of Contents
[Main Page][GHB FAQ][Meta-FAQ][Supply FAQ][Therapy FAQ]
[References][Glossary][Link To the Outside World]
[Quick answers from the GHB FAQ Crisis Center]
Created and maintained by Michael Cohn - michaelc@medscape.com © 1998