Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) is used in cleaning solvents and similar industrial products. It is also used as a precursor to make the illicit substance gamma-aminobutyric acid (GHB) or is ingested to produce euphoric effects. GBL can cause many short-term and long-term risks and can lead to dependence and addiction.
- Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) is a chemical that is used licitly in industrial products and illicitly as a drug of abuse or date rape drug.
- The effects of GBL can include sedation, euphoria, reduced inhibition, increased sex drive, loss of consciousness, and nausea.
- GBL use can lead to dependence and addiction, which may require professional advice and treatment.
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What is gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)?
Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) is a chemical that is used in industrial products and as an alternative or precursor chemical to the illicit substance gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). [1]
GBL is now becoming increasingly used as a substance of abuse. It converts to GHB in the body rapidly after ingestion and therefore, causes very similar effects to GHB. [1][2] GBL is often sold as a liquid, which is ingested when used as a drug of abuse in order to create euphoric effects. [1]
GHB occurs naturally in the body in small concentrations and impacts the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It causes similar central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects to other GABA-related substances, including benzodiazepines, although its mechanism of action differs. [2]
Uses and effects of GBL
GBL is used as an industrial solvent and included in various products such as paint removers, cleaning products, and engine degreasers. This means it can be purchased legally for legitimate purposes. However, it can also be used as a precursor chemical to create GHB or sold as an illicit substance for recreational use. [3]
Recreational use and sought-after effects
In the 1990s, recreational GHB use increased, with many using it as a party drug. At this time, it also became more widely used in sexual assaults. In recent years, GBL abuse has become common. GBL is a popular alternative as its effects emerge quicker than GHB and last for longer. Additionally, GBL is easier and cheaper to obtain than GHB. [1][4]
Often, people who abuse GBL or GHB do so for its euphoric and sedative effects. It is commonly used as a substitute for alcohol at ‘raves’ or parties, and it reportedly enhances sexual pleasure. [1]
Use of GBL in sexual assaults
There are reports of GBL or GHB being used to spike a person’s drink to facilitate sexual assault. As is the case with many ‘date rape drugs’, GBL and GHB can cause the individual to be unresponsive or unconscious. [5][6]
A systematic review of reported sexual assaults found that GHB had been detected in 0.2-4.4% of cases. [6]
Health risks and side effects
The effects and risks of GBL can depend on the frequency and amount of use, individual age, weight, and health, and the use of additional substances. GBL causes CNS depressant effects, which can lead to effects such as: [1][7]
- Sedation
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Distorted vision
- Confusion
- Impaired coordination
- Headaches
Long-term effects of GBL use can include: [1][8]
- Dependence and addiction
- Heart problems
- Psychotic symptoms
- Breathing issues
- Anxiety
- Liver and kidney damage
Overdose
High doses of GBL can cause overdose, which can be severe and even fatal. Signs of GBL overdose can include: [1][2]
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure
- Reduced heart rate and breathing rate
- Decreased body temperature
- Severe slowing or stopping of breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Coma
In the event of GBL overdose, particularly if the person is unconscious or not breathing, call 911 immediately. Urgent medical attention is required. There is no antidote for GBL overdose, but treatment can be provided to help manage severe symptoms. [2]
Interactions
GBL is likely to interact with other medications or substances if consumed concurrently. For example: [7][9]
- Combining GBL with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids, could increase the risk of respiratory depression and loss of consciousness.
- Combining GBL with stimulants, such as methamphetamine or ecstasy, could increase the risk of heart problems.
Legal status of GBL
GBL is not intended for human consumption. It is included as a List 1 chemical on the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), as it is a precursor to the Schedule I controlled substance GHB. As a List 1 chemical, people who buy or sell GBL must be registered with the DEA to monitor for legitimate business use of GBL. [1][10]
If GBL is intended for consumption, it can be treated as a Schedule I controlled substance. Schedule I substances have no recognized medical purpose and a high potential for abuse, addiction, and harm. [1] Sodium oxybate (Xyrem) is a pharmaceutical GHB preparation, which is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance and can be used to treat narcolepsy. [3]
Can GBL be detected in your body?
GBL cannot be detected in the system, but can be detected as GHB, as it converts quickly after ingestion. GHB has a short half-life of 30-50 minutes, so it typically leaves the body entirely within 3-4 hours. [2]
This can mean that there is only a small window in which it can be detected in the system. Urine tests can be used to detect GHB within a window of 3-10 hours. Also, only 1-5% of the original dose is eliminated in urine, meaning that it can go undetected. [2][3]
Recognizing GBL misuse and addiction
People may display signs that they are misusing GBL and developing dependence and addiction. Signs of GBL addiction can include:
- Increasing issues with functioning at work, school, and socializing due to GBL use
- Decline in self-care
- Neglecting responsibilities and commitments to use GBL
- Using increasing amounts of GBL or with increasing regularity
- Impacted physical and psychological well-being
- Financial issues
GBL withdrawal
People who abuse GBL may develop dependence after prolonged or excessive use. When GBL use is stopped, withdrawal symptoms can occur, including: [2][8]
- Increases in heart rate and blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Shaking
- Psychotic symptoms, including paranoia and hallucinations
- Seizures
- Heart problems
Withdrawal symptoms can emerge within 1-6 hours after the last dose and typically last up to two weeks. Abruptly stopping chronic GBL use can increase the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Professional advice and support may be necessary when stopping GBL use. [2]
Treatment options for GBL dependence
People who are dependent on or addicted to GBL may benefit from professional advice and treatment. As withdrawal from GBL can be severe and potentially harmful, it could be necessary to utilize supported withdrawal and detox services. [8] Following withdrawal, treatments to help people in GBL addiction recovery can include rehabilitation services, psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, or medications.
A primary care physician can refer individuals to specialist services to begin treatment. The Recovered Directory can help with finding local rehab centers.
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