Deaths linked to the party drug GHB have surged in Australia, with a new study revealing a tenfold increase in fatalities since 2013. Simultaneously, hospital presentations related to GHB overdoses are also on the rise, prompting urgent warnings from health officials.
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, commonly known as GHB or “liquid ecstasy,” is used for its euphoric and disinhibiting effects at low doses. However, the drug carries a significant risk of overdose due to the narrow margin between a desired effect and a dangerous reaction.
The study, conducted by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) at the University of New South Wales, analyzed coronial records, hospital data, treatment services, population surveys, and interviews with drug users. Researchers found that GHB-related deaths increased from 0.02 per 100,000 people in 2013 to 0.24 per 100,000 people in 2022. Hospitalisations related to the drug rose from 5.3 to 19.1 cases per 100,000 people over the same period, while treatment episodes increased tenfold, placing a strain on hospital and ambulance resources.
“GHB is a drug that carries quite a high risk of overdose and other harms,” said Amy Peacock, senior author of the study and NDARC deputy director. “Those harms are rising and they are preventable.” Peacock warned that “These numbers are a cause for alarm. Without targeted action, the situation will only worsen, and more people will be harmed.”
St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne is experiencing a significant increase in GHB-related emergency department presentations. Dr. Jonathan Karro, the hospital’s emergency medicine director, stated, “It’s now a daily occurrence.” He also noted a broadening demographic of patients presenting with GHB-related issues, stating that patients “of all ages and backgrounds” are now seeking treatment “at odd times.”
The substance presents unique challenges to clinicians, as there is currently no antidote available, and patients often arrive unconscious. Users are reportedly purchasing GHB in larger quantities, with some acquiring it by the litre due to its affordability – approximately $5 per dose.
While overall use of GHB remains relatively low nationally, survey data indicates that the proportion of Australians who have used the drug in the past year has tripled over the past decade.
Researchers are calling for improved health messaging regarding GHB, with a particular focus on the dangers of repeat dosing and combining the drug with other substances. “Repeated dosing can quickly lead to overdose because GHB builds up in the body faster than people realise,” explained Dr. Peacock. “And using it with alcohol, ketamine, or other depressants greatly increases the risk of respiratory depression and loss of consciousness.”
The study also suggests that increasing availability is contributing to the rise in hospitalisations, with illegal imports of GHB and its precursor, 1,4-Butanediol, on the rise. In May of last year, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) warned of a “tidal wave” of illegal importation of 1,4-Butanediol. Between March of the previous year and May, the AFP seized more than 18.3 tonnes of the substance – a greater quantity than any other illicit drug.
“Our message to the community remains clear — there is no safe dose of this drug,” said Paula Hudson, AFP acting assistant commissioner, at the time. “By importing this substance into Australia, criminal networks are creating a demand and appetite for this illicit drug and the bigger the appetite, the bigger the profits.”
