GHB Overdose: Education Can Save Lives

Objective

The objective of this study was to understand how bystanders respond to Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) overdose. This situation is frequently found within sexuality and gender diverse communities carrying a high risk of fatality.

Methods

This qualitative study involved interviewing 31 Australian residents who reported using GHB on three or more occasions in the previous twelve months.
These participants were asked about their experiences witnessing GHB overdose more specifically:

Their actions
Their decision-making processes throughout the overdose.

Their responses were analyzed according to dominant themes.

Results

All of these participants witnessed the overdoses in private settings and were involved in sexual situations.
These participants reported their situations as ranging from GHB-induced symptoms of distress (Freestone et al., 2023) to comatose intoxication.
These participants reported their drastic actions to keep someone alert and responsive after their GHB ingestion (Freestone et al., 2023).
Most of these participants reported many variables that influenced their decision to call or not call for EMS.
The majority of these participants did not call the EMS and resorted to interventions that deviated from established first-aid protocols (Freestone et al., 2023).

Conclusions

The study illuminated an urgent need for GHB overdose prevention and how to respond to these situations for people who use GHB. According to Freestone and colleagues (2023), educational interventions need to address the following:

Addressing inaccuracies that inform street remedies for GHB overdose
Techniques for safely checking someone's breathing and responsiveness.
They should promote basic first-aid principles
They should address perceived barriers to contacting EMS.

References

Freestone, J., Ezard, N., Bourne, A., Brett, J., Roberts, D., Hammoud, M., Nedanoski, A., Prestage, G., & Siefried, K. (2023). Understandings, attitudes, practices and responses to GHB overdose among GHB consumers [Review of Understandings, attitudes, practices and responses to GHB overdose among GHB consumers]. Harm Reduction Journal, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-023-00857-z

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