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
