Recreational GHB Use and Hospitalizations in Victoria\n\nSt Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne has reported a significant increase in emergency department presentations related to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use. Last year, the hospital recorded over 350 GHB-related presentations, a substantial rise from 140 presentations in 2014. This increase contrasts with a 15% overall growth in emergency department presentations during the same period.\n\nGHB, known commonly as liquid ecstasy, has seen a surge in recreational use, particularly among women in their late 20s and 30s. The substance is used for its euphoric and aphrodisiac effects. Experts indicate that this trend is straining hospital, police, and ambulance resources.\n\n## Risks and Impact on Health Services\n\nDr. Jonathan Karro, director of emergency medicine at St Vincent’s, noted the narrow margin between a desired dose and an overdose that can lead to unconsciousness or coma. He observed that patients presenting with GHB poisoning are skewing older than in previous years, with a median age of 29 for patients at St Vincent's emergency department. The majority of these patients are transported by ambulance, and approximately one in eight are accompanied by police. Sundays and Saturdays account for the highest number of presentations.\n\nDr. Rowan Ogeil, strategic lead of addiction research centre Turning Point, reported a national increase of over 60% in GHB-related presentations between 2022 and 2023, stressing the strain on health and emergency services. Geelong has been identified as a particular hotspot, potentially due to summer festivals.\n\n## Factors Contributing to Increased Use\n\nDr. Karro attributes the drug's increased popularity to its availability and low cost, with doses reportedly costing around $5. Online retailers offer GHB and similar chemicals. Pru Tellegen, acting chief operating officer at Windana, a residential detox service, stated that about 80% of their referrals involve current or recent GHB use. Individuals use GHB as a party drug, for relaxation, to improve sleep, or to alleviate the comedown from other substances like methamphetamine.\n\nChallenges in determining precise dosages contribute to risks. GBL, an industrial solvent that metabolizes into GHB in the body, is often sold as GHB but is stronger and faster-acting. Community services frequently refer patients with high GHB doses to detox services or emergency departments due to insufficient resources.\n\n## Public Health Response and Recommendations\n\nExperts advocate for a mass education campaign to raise awareness of GHB’s potential to induce comas and trigger life-threatening withdrawals. Recommended harm reduction measures include:\n\n* Spacing out GHB use.\n* Utilizing plungers to accurately track dosage.\n* Avoiding the mixture of GHB with benzodiazepines or alcohol, as these substances affect similar brain pathways.\n\nAddiction and severe withdrawal syndromes are common with GHB use. Crime Statistics Agency data from September shows GHB accounted for 11% of drug dealing and trafficking offenses. The Victorian government confirmed its free and confidential pill testing service can analyze GHB. The state is implementing a $95 million statewide action plan and a 10-year strategy to reduce alcohol and other drug-related harms and stigma.