I've been looking a bit on bluelight. Excerpts:
http://www.bluelight.org/vb/threads/80348-GHB-1-4
1. GHB
1.1 What are the effects?
GHB produces, on a sliding scale, the following; an overall mood lift, relaxation, increased sociability, euphoria, dissolution of anxieties and inhibitions, a “truth-serum†effect, motor skill impairment, an increase in sexual function & desire, possible dizziness and/or nausea. The effects begin within 10 â€" 30 minutes of ingestion and last 1 to 4 hours, incurring few to none of the unpleasant physical side effects associated with similar highs such as alcohol.
GHB is an aphrodisiac in low doses. Its pro-sexual effects go beyond common knowledge, but can be expressed under four headings: loss of inhibition, heightening of the sense of touch (tactility), enhancement of male erectile capacity and increased intensity of orgasm. Note that this is dose dependent - a standard recreational dose is generally too much, having a reverse effect on sexual function… Making orgasms more difficult to achieve and diminishing male erectile capacity.
1.2 How much do I take?
Here are some common dosage measurements for GHB, taken from Erowid.
Light --> 0.5 - 1.5 g
Common --> 1 - 2.5 g
Strong --> 2 - 3.5 g
Can induce heavy sleep --> 3 - 5 g
Overdose --> 5 - 10 g
Poisoning (Risk of Death)--> 10+ g
The above figures are grams of pure GHB powder. After examining several sources and having a few thrown at me, I have deduced that the safest way to approach the situation is to act on the assumption that it is possible to dissolve 1 gram of GHB powder into less than 1ml of water. That means that you could potentially overdose on as little as 5ml of liquid GHB - and that's even for a large, tolerant person. People have pointed out to me that this is not likely. I make no secret of that â€" but it is possible. Err on the side of caution
2.1 What is 1,4-B?
1,4-Butanediol is closely related (chemically) to GHB. It has become a popular substitute for GHB for a few reasons â€" GHB is becoming more and more difficult to obtain due to legalities (depending on your location), and 1,4-B is converted to GHB by the human body, so it’s as good as substitutes get. It makes it’s way though the digestive system and is absorbed into the blood stream untouched. From there it circulates until making contact with the liver, which uses an enzyme called dehydrogenase (the same one used to break down alcohol) to convert the 1,4-B into a substance called aldehyde gamma-hydroxybutyraldehyde, which is released back into the blood stream. When the aldehyde gamma-hydroxybutyraldehyde comes back around to the liver, an enzyme called aldehyde dehydrogenase oxidizes it, creating GHB, which is then released into the bloodstream to do its work.
2.3 How much do I take?
Unlike GHB, 1,4-B only exists in liquid form. If it is pure, 1ml is equivalent to 1 gram of GHB. So, if you want a 4g dose, take 4mls. You get the point. But what if your 1,4-B is diluted? Here is the table of doses where the 1,4-B is mixed in at a ratio of 1:4;
• 24ml = 6g
• 25ml = 6.25g
2.4 Does it feel the same as GHB?
While 1,4-B is converted into GHB, the effects are not identical. An experienced user (known as a G-whore ) could probably tell the difference between the two even if given no indication as to which measuring cup contained which chemical. Due to the gradual nature of the conversion (it is far from instantaneous) the effects of 1,4-B often last longer than those of GHB â€" by the time the first of the converted GHB hits, the last of it could still be in the aldehyde gamma-hydroxybutyraldehyde stage, awaiting oxidization. Also as a consequence of the conversion, 1,4-B more frequently causes physical upset such as nausea and vomiting â€" unlike GHB, 1,4-B is a foreign chemical to the human body with far more potential for toxicity and adverse reaction. For this reason it also causes frequent urination in most users (similar to alcohol). Most users report that GHB simply feels “cleaner†and 1,4-B does not produce as much relaxation.
The difference in effects appears to be highly subjective, so it’s hard to say much more than that without starting arguments. A suggested reason for the difference varying so greatly from people to people is different body types, diets, fitness levels, health, etc contributing to more/less efficient conversion of 1,4-B to GHB.
2.5 How bad is it for me?
There has been considerable debate over the toxicity of 1,4-B. The most convincing argument runs along the lines of its chemical similarity to an antifreeze agent used in radiator fluid, called propylene glycol. This suggests some serious issues with 1,4-B, however studies on its effects on the human body indicate it is not a danger, unless abused. 1,4-B damages your liver and kidneys much in the same way as alcohol does, however there is a much steeper bell curve (the damage will begin with less abuse, and get out of hand easier). Don’t abuse it, and you shouldn’t encounter any side effects.
3. GBL
This subject has certainly got mouths moving. GBL and GHB are not “the same†when someone is abusing. This is due to the metabolic conversion GBL must undergo to become GHB. This conversion takes a toll on your body, which it can easily recover from in the short term. However, forcing your body to carry out this conversion too frequently can lead to problems.
3.1 What is GBL?
GBL is a chemical and metabolic precursor to GHB. That means a chemist can make GHB from it, and so can your body. It’s used industrially as a solvent, eg for paint thinners. It’s popular as a drug for similar reasons to 1,4-B â€" your body converts it to GHB and due to it’s wide range of industry uses, is often easier to obtain.
3.2 How do I tell the difference between GBL & GHB/1,4-B?
Unless you know from the start, it’s hard to ever be sure which you have. GBL exists in liquid form only, and like 1,4-B tastes distinctly chemical. You may be able to taste the difference between GHB and GBL, but I am told that it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between 1,4-B and GBL by taste.
GBL doesn’t freeze until it’s at â€"44 degrees celsius (if it’s pure). But, mix it with water and you get a freezing point closer to 0. Putting what you’ve got in the fridge may help you distinguish whether it’s 1,4-B or GBL (it’ll freeze if its 1,4-B, it wont if it’s GBL), but the less pure the chemicals the less reliable this test will be. Due to GHB & GBL freezing at â€"20 and â€"44 respectively, it’s too unreliable to test using any kind of temperature based examination, especially when you consider the problems that dilution causes for such tests.
