Reducing risks with G
GBL (or ‘G’) is a dangerous drug. If you’re planning to take G it’s really important to be careful with your dose to minimise the chances of something going badly wrong. Here are some suggestions to help you look after yourself and your friends when taking G.
G and alcohol
Never mix G with alcohol. It can dramatically increase the effects of the drug, leading to a much higher risk of ‘going under’ (overdosing and losing consciousness) and vomiting.
If you’ve been drinking earlier in the evening, waiting at least a few hours and drinking water to help sober up is important before taking any G.
Dosing G
Getting an accurate dose of G is crucial. A tiny bit too much can cause you to lose consciousness or ‘go under’.
- A common starting dose for GBL is between 0.5ml and 1ml, although some guys who’ve built up a tolerance to it might take 1.5ml or 2ml.
- It’s always better to take slightly less G than more, but any dose can still cause serious problems.
- Everybody reacts differently and it’s not uncommon to be sick the first time you take it.
- Some guys find that the longer they’re awake and doing G, the greater the chances of them passing out. Reducing the amount you do and the time between doses can help reduce the chances of this happening.
Measuring G
- Use a plastic measuring syringe – you can get these online from pharmacies or even health shops. Burrell St clinic in London has free 1ml syringes.
- A small 1ml syringe is best as it helps reduce the chance of you making a big mistake with a larger 10ml syringe. Buy spares.
- G will melt the ink numbers on the syringe which makes it difficult to measure accurately. Putting a small piece of sellotape over the numbers can help stop this – alternatively make sure you have spares to hand.
- Always measure and check the dose yourself. Blurry eyesight, low lighting or just being high means it’s easy to make a mistake, so asking friends to watch when you measure a dose is a good idea.
G timing
- Accurate timing of doses is crucial. You should wait for at least two hours before re-dosing, and never less then an hour.
- Setting a timer on your phone or watch each time you take a dose will remind you when it’s safer to take another dose.
- Putting a sheet of paper with people’s names, the time and the quantity of dose taken near the G can help you keep track of what you and friends have taken.
- If you’re ever unsure, or disagree with someone on the timing, stop and wait an hour before doing a dose.
Mixers
- Taking G ‘neat’ can cause damage to your mouth, teeth, throat and stomach.
- Mixing G with a soft drink like coke or orange juice, followed by a soft drink ‘chaser’, is the common way to take it.
- Never drink from a glass of liquid that you find as it could contain dangerous amounts of G – always rinse out the glass and pour a fresh drink yourself.
Storing G
One of the biggest dangers with G is accidentally drinking from the container that G is stored in, meaning you taking a massive dose which could prove fatal.
To help avoid this:
- Store the G in a non-drinking container (such as an ashtray-style small bowl or a brown glass pipette bottle) so people don’t confuse it for a normal drink.
- Put the G is a specific place out of the way, so people don’t pick it up thinking it’s a glass of water.
Dependence
If you have been taking G regularly for long periods of time, you can become dependent and it can be very dangerous to suddenly stop. Get medical advice and support from a drug service, your GP or A&E before attempting to stop.
Published: 24/08/2018
Next review: 24/08/2021