Deaths linked to misuse of drug GHB rising rapidly in Australia

Hospitals are warning deaths related to the drug GHB are ten folding and hospitalisations tripling. Photo / Thinsktock

A study has found the number of preventable GHB-related deaths in Australia has increased tenfold since 2013.

GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is a pharmaceutical central nervous system depressant known to slow brain activity and is often used as an illicit party drug.

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre has analysed hospital data, treatment services, population surveys and interviews with drug users, and found a statistical increase in related deaths from 0.02 per 100,000 people in 2013 to 0.24 per 100,000 people in 2022.

Associate professor and deputy director Amy Peacock said the drug, known as “liquid ecstasy”, builds up quickly in the body, leading to increased risk of overdose.

“And using it with alcohol, ketamine or other depressants greatly increases the risk of respiratory depression and loss of consciousness,” she said.

Melbourne has been one of the hot spots for the party drug in recent years, with hospital admissions at the emergency department having spiked.

St Vincent’s emergency medicine director Dr Jonathan Karro told the APP it’s a daily occurrence.

Dr Karro said the substance poses unique challenges to clinicians because there is no antidote and patients are often unconscious.

“The spread of patients is much wider now too, with patients of all ages and backgrounds presenting at odd times.

“Users are increasingly purchasing the substance by the litre, given its affordability at about $5 per dose.”

The Australia Federal Police seized more than 18.3 tonnes of the substance in the 12 months leading to March, more than any other drug.