Stern warning over rise of GHB users ending up in ICU

A staggering number of people are presenting to emergency departments drugged up on the “date rape drug” GHB, with new data showing a fourfold rise in presentations in the past two years.

A staggering number of people are presenting to South East Queensland emergency departments drugged up on the “date rape drug” GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), with new data showing a fourfold rise in presentations in the past two years.

GHB has become a popular drug in the party scene but was branded “the date rape drug” as it is difficult to detect if slipped into a drink.

The designer drug presentations are now the second most common recreational intoxication causing people to need emergency care, behind methamphetamines.

GHB accounts for 24 per cent of emergency presentations related to drug-use that require admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at PA Hospital

Australia’s first toxicology nurse practitioner, Benjamin Learmont of the Princess Alexandra Hospital, has issued a stark warning to Queenslanders to be aware of the circulation of the drug and of its harmful effects.

The data has been collected by the PA Hospital’s Clinical Toxicology Unit.

“Over the last two years, we have seen a fourfold increase in GHB-related presentations,” said Mr Learmont, who is responsible for monitoring the toxicology-related presentation data.

GHB is an illicit recreational drug that acts as a nervous system depressant, producing feelings of euphoria, relaxation, sociability and an increased sex drive.

Australia’s first toxicology nurse practitioner, Benjamin Learmont of the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Common side-effects include vomiting, irregular or shallow breathing, hallucinations, blackouts, memory loss and in some cases death.

While long-term data is limited, reported long-term effects include dependence, heart disease, severe memory issues, extreme anxiety and breathing problems.

Commonly used as a party drug, GHB has gained popularity over the past two years, with the largest demographic of users aged 18-25.

The toxicology nurse said that with the drug landscape constantly evolving to respond to new designer products like GHB, staying ahead of the curve is vital to keeping the community safe.

“In toxicology, we always have to be vigilant and expect the unexpected. As of June 2024, PAH data shows that GHB-related presentations are now the second most common recreational intoxication causing people to need emergency care, behind methamphetamines,” he explained.

Mr Learmont said public awareness and education is more important than ever to prevent a fun night out from becoming a tragedy or a lifelong struggle with heart, lung or mental health issues.

In a first for Australia, Mr Learmont took on the nurse practitioner for toxicology role in February this year.