Frequently
Asked Questions: Fantasy
What is Fantasy?
'Fantasy' is the common name for Gamma-hydroxybutyric
acid (GHB) and its related substances including:
These substances have similar chemical structures and
effects on humans.
Each of the GHB-related substances converts into GHB in
the human body. GHB also occurs naturally in the human body - primarily in the
central nervous system. However its exact function is not entirely
clear.
It has also been used therapeutically in some European
countries and the United
States for treatment of alcohol and opiate
dependence. It is also an anesthetic.
GHB and its related substances are also being used as
'recreational drugs' for their relaxant and euphoric effects. These substances
are commonly used as dance party drugs.
GHB and its related substances are most commonly
available in a liquid form and are taken orally. They are colourless, odourless
liquids usually sold in small bottles or sachets. It has also has been seen in
powder and capsule form.
What are the
effects of Fantasy?
'Fantasy' is a depressant drug, which depresses the
central nervous system. Small doses can have a relaxant effect, reduce social
inhibitions, and can produce short-term amnesia and hypotonia (diminished
skeletal muscle tone).
Medium doses can produce drowsiness and sleep for some
people.
Higher doses produce general anesthesia, can also stop
people breathing, reduce cardiac output, and produce seizure-like activity, and
coma.
This is a 'rule of thumb' guide only because the same
dose can affect different people in different ways - for example, a euphoric
dose for one person could sedate another person.
What are some of
the key risks?
Over the years in New
Zealand, there have been an increasing number
of people admitted to accident and emergency departments who have had life
threatening overdoses of Fantasy. Around 226 deaths have been
attributed to the drug. Particular risks for these substances
include:
The very fine line between the dose required to give the
'desired effect' and that causing an overdose, which may result in coma,
convulsions, vomiting, blocked airways, the person stopping breathing, and
death.
The onset of the effects is delayed (around 10-20
minutes), which may cause people to consume more of the drug, thinking the
original dose was not enough. This may lead to an overdose. Effects can last
anywhere between 1-6 hours, or more depending on the
dosage.
The unpredictability of the effects - especially when
combined with other substances like alcohol. Likewise, some GHB-related
substances (such as GBL) may be more potent than
others.
There have been reports of people becoming dependent on
these substances if they are taken at regular, high doses, over a long period of
time.
These substances have been implicated in drug-assisted
sexual assaults
Driving while intoxicated on GHB-related compounds
carries personal and public health risks (eg, drivers falling asleep at the
wheel).
The effects discussed above are largely short-term
effects from one drug taking session. There is little information on the
long-term effects of these substances when taken for many months or
years
How can the
potential harm from dance party drugs be minimised?
The Ministry of Health's Dance Party Guidelines pamphlet
and associated resource, has some good harm minimisation advice about dance
party drugs for those who choose to take them regardless of the
law.
Possessing or supplying drugs is against the law and may
result in a fine or imprisonment
All drugs have the potential to cause harm. The safest
option is not to take illegal drugs.
If you choose to use drugs, be prepared and be aware of
the risks.
Drugs can affect you differently depending on the drug's
contents, your mood, and the situation.
The Guidelines give important information about staying safe, being
prepared, and the risks of dance party drugs. The Guidelines are available on
the National Drug Policy Website (http://www.ndp.govt.nz/), the Ministry of Health, or authorised
providers in each District Health Board.
How can the
potential harm from Fantasy be minimised?
Because of the delayed effect and small difference
between a dose that gives the desired effect and a potentially fatal overdose,
people choosing to take these substances should only take a small amount and
wait for it to take effect.
Using the same drug again may affect you differently. It
is often impossible to know just what is in the drug you are taking. There is
some evidence that GHB and its related substances (eg, GBL) have different
potencies and so there is a risk of overdose.
If a person is unconscious after taking these substances
you should seek medical help immediately. Dial 111. Do not leave the person
alone. You should care for them by safeguarding their airway, positioning them
in the 'recovery position', and administering 'mouth-to-mouth' breathing if the
person has stopped breathing.
People should never be left to 'sleep overdoses off'.
Overdoses of these drugs can result in people stopping breathing and dieing.
Although some people do recover spontaneously, you should call for immediate
medical assistance if a person is unconscious.
People who have taken the drug should not engage in risky
activities requiring concentration and physical coordination such as driving a
vehicle, operating heavy machinery or engaging in water-related
activities.
People should not take these substances alone, or with
strangers.
People should not take drinks from strangers, or leave
their glasses unattended because someone might 'spike' their
drink.
Do not take other substances (eg, alcohol) at the same
time as the effects can be unpredictable. There is evidence that alcohol
compounds the effects of GHB as they are both
depressants.
