“GHB”: The Drug Rapists Use To Neutralize Their Victims
He GHB (or gammahydroxybutyric acid) is often known by the name liquid ecstasyalthough it has nothing to do with ecstasy (or MDMA) or other substances analogous to amphetamines.
This drug, used by rapists, is a central nervous system depressant (SNC) which was used during the sixties as an anesthetic. However, GHB was withdrawn from the pharmaceutical market due to its side effects. It is currently used in the treatment of some diseases such as narcolepsy.
GHB has unpredictable effects on each person and are generally euphoric (in low doses) and sedative (high doses), making this substance extremely dangerous. Due to its characteristics, it is used to carry out robberies or sexual assaults, like Rohypnol or Burundanga (scopolamine), since it nullifies a person’s will and turns them into a defenseless person.
Generally, GHB It comes in the form of a white powder or liquid colorless and odorless, with a slightly salty taste, and is distributed on the illegal market in small blisters or vials that are often mixed with a drink. The mixture with alcohol is very dangerous. The main complication of GHB consumption is acute intoxication. In recent years, there have been many cases of coma, and also deaths due to its use.
The use of this drug to commit rape
Both GHB, Rohypnol or Scopolamine are used to facilitate date rape or to “drug” the victim at the club and then abuse them when the substance takes effect. Since GHB is a colorless and odorless substance, is easily poured into the victim’s drink and consumed without it perceiving it. When the drug takes effect, it incapacitates the victim and prevents them from defending themselves against the sexual attack. GHB is currently known as “easy viola ”.
Therefore, the purpose of the sexual offender is to sedate the person he is going to sexually abuse, to reduce his resistance or cause the victim’s total loss of consciousness. Since GHB is short-lived, it is difficult to find traces in a urine sample if more than a day has passed. Victims often report after this period, as they feel ashamed and, sometimes, guilty of what happened.
Effects of GHB
GHB is a central nervous system depressant and is taken orally. The effects begin about 15 minutes after ingestion and last 1 to 3 hours As with alcohol, depending on the dose it produces different effects.
In solid state, with low-medium doses (1-2g), the empathic effect, euphoria or disinhibition With higher doses (2-4g), the effects are amplified, and incoordination, visual distortion, deep relaxation and a tendency to drowsiness may occur. This is because GHB binds to at least two types of neuronal receptors: at low doses it binds to the GHB receptor, which is excitatory, and at high doses it also binds to the GABA-B receptor (inhibitory), which produces the sedative effects.
GHB is especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol, a combination that can lead to coma and be fatal, as has been reported on several occasions.
The brain makes GHB
Although GHB is manufactured in a laboratory, It is also produced in the brain (endogenous substance). Some of the highest concentrations are found in the substantia nigra, thalamus, and hypothalamus of the brain.
Many scientists claim that it acts as a neurotransmitter, and several functions are attributed to it, such as regulating sleep cycles, temperature, brain glucose metabolism, blood flow, memory and emotional control. Likewise, it would have a neurological protective action against the negative effects of hypoxia and excessive metabolic demands.
Although GHB was once used as a general anesthetic, and for the treatment of insomnia or clinical depression, it is currently used only for the treatment of narcolepsy, since there is a potential for abuse and serious side effects in its use. consumption.
It is marketed under the name Xyrem and is available only in certified pharmacies, under a special program called Xyrem Success Program. The drug is taken before bedtime, as it reinforces deep sleep and increases nighttime sleep time, while reducing the number of sleep periods during the day, which improves narcolepsy symptoms.
Other uses of GHB
In addition to the aforementioned uses, GHB continues to be used for other illegal purposes. many young people They give it recreational use and they consume it in clubs or at raves. It is commonly known as “liquid ecstasy,” and it is common to mix it with alcohol. This has triggered several cases of overdose.
On the other hand, It is also used by bodybuilders It became very popular in the United States for its anabolic and “fat burning” effect, since its consumption produces muscle growth and better definition, as well as a euphoric effect. GHB increases the secretion of growth hormone Although its consumption was prohibited in the 90s, it continues to be sold illegally. The great concern of the authorities is online sales.
Below we leave you a video about the use of GHB to commit rape. Check it out:
