Young professionals turn to GHB for fun, raising health and safety concerns

A growing number of young professionals are turning to gamma-hydroxybutyrate, or GHB, as a party drug rather than alcohol or cocaine, according to a 26-year-old woman who spoke under a pseudonym. Clarisa Fennimore describes a social scene where GHB has become a regular, if controversial, option for some in her age group. “I add a couple of drops of a drug known as ‘G’ to my water,” she says, “to help me achieve an extra buzz.” Her account is part of a broader conversation about a drug historically linked to sexual assault but increasingly discussed as a recreational option among some young adults.

GHB is a clear, odorless liquid taken in precise doses spaced out over the course of a night. It is a depressant that can slow heart rate and breathing, and it is extremely dangerous to mix with alcohol or other depressants. When used recreationally, users often dilute it in water or soft drinks, or take it directly in measured amounts. Even a small excess can carry serious consequences, including unconsciousness, respiratory compromise, or death. The drug is illegal in the United Kingdom and is classified as a Class B substance, meaning possession or supply carries legal penalties. Experts warn that the line between a “buzz” and a life-threatening overdose can be thin, especially when people misjudge the dose or combine GHB with other substances.

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The account illustrates the practical realities of dosing. “Even a tenth of a millilitre more than intended is incredibly risky,” she notes, underscoring how crucial timing and dose control can be. She adds that she tries to avoid alcohol entirely while using G to prevent unpredictable interactions, a common concern among users who fear slipping into a state where judgment is impaired. The drug’s effects can include warmth, euphoria, relaxation, increased sociability, and a perceived reduction in anxiety. At the same time, users can experience dizziness, confusion, memory gaps, and, in some cases, dangerous behavioral changes.

Public health data underline the risks. In England and Wales, Office for National Statistics figures show 241 deaths in 2022 where a new psychoactive substance, including GHB, was recorded on the death certificate. The true toll is likely higher, because testing for these substances is not routine and the chemicals can leave the body within 24 hours. Authorities warn that even small doses can be lethal, particularly when combined with alcohol or other depressants.

The personal narrative also touches on safety concerns beyond the immediate effects. The author discusses a chilling incident in which a friend accidentally took a double dose, became non-verbal and unconscious, and required friends to support them for hours without reliable access to help. Such episodes highlight how quickly a night can turn dangerous. To mitigate risk, some G users rely on digital tools that log doses and provide timing cues to avoid taking another dose too soon. One app, described by users, includes a timer that resets with each dose and helps track consumption, a feature some say reduces the chance of overdose.

Longer-term health questions also arise with regular use. The account notes reports of hoarseness and throat irritation among some G users, attributing this to chronic exposure. Medical knowledge on long-term effects remains limited, but experts warn that persistent use can damage the larynx and other structures involved in voice production, potentially affecting speaking and singing ability for extended periods.

GHB’s notoriety is not new. The drug has a history of use within certain communities to facilitate sexual experiences, and it has been exploited by criminals in high-profile cases. For example, serial killer cases in the United Kingdom revealed the criminal use of GHB to facilitate assaults, contributing to the substance’s dangerous reputation. In addition to its association with violence, the drug’s pharmacology means that combining GHB with alcohol or other downers can depress the central nervous system to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of coma or death.

Experts caution that physical dependence is possible with regular use, and withdrawal can be severe or life-threatening if not managed medically. The author, who is in her mid-twenties and holds a university degree, acknowledges the law and safety risks but frames her behavior as a phase of experimentation rather than a sustained lifestyle. She says she does not consider herself addicted, though she recognizes the ongoing risk and does not recommend that others follow her example. She emphasizes that her statements reflect a personal experience and should not be read as endorsement.

Health professionals stress that any use of GHB carries significant risks, including the potential for rapid deterioration of breathing, heart rhythm disturbances, memory impairment, and dangerous interactions with other substances. While some users report a more vivid social experience or extended energy, those effects come with a balance of potentially devastating consequences, including the risk of losing control or suffering a life-threatening overdose. Public health campaigns continue to urge vigilance, safe behaviors, and legal awareness for anyone who encounters this substance or is considering experimentation.

Clarisa Fennimore’s account is presented to illuminate a troubling and evolving trend among young professionals who navigate social pressures, work responsibilities, and a nightlife culture that sometimes normalizes dangerous behavior. The broader takeaway for readers is clear: GHB remains a powerful depressant with a high risk of harm, particularly when introduced into an environment—nightlife—that can encourage rapid dosing, mixing with alcohol, and extended sessions. Health authorities, clinicians, and researchers emphasize cautious, informed decision-making and adherence to the law, while continuing to study the patterns of use and the health outcomes associated with this drug. The story serves as a reminder that the dangers of GHB extend beyond reputations and headlines to real-life health risks that can affect individuals, families, and communities.