Much like alcohol, these drugs are intoxicating nervous system depressants and are often used in a social context where they can make people happy and confident. People under their influence can be chatty, outgoing, and giggly, although some others become withdrawn. Like alcohol, it may make people say and do things they normally wouldn’t (reduces inhibitions). Some users find that for them, the drugs enhance sexual feelings. After a bit of GBL or GHB people start to lose the ability to concentrate and think straight.
As with alcohol, the depressant and euphoric effects become clearer at high doses. GBL and GHB are much more potent than alcohol however, meaning that only a small amount, one swig too many, can be enough to accidentally cross the line between joy and coma. Unpleasant effects like vomiting and confusion become more common as the dose, and risks of harm rise. Technically, GHB and GBL have a ‘steep dose-response curve’ which means that a second or third dose may have a much greater (and unexpected) effect than the first.
People can become dependent on GHB, GBL or 1,4 BD, so sometimes it is used more to relieve a craving, stop withdrawal symptoms or feel normal rather than to have fun. Some users find sleep is impossible without the drug. As with alcohol, GHB, and GBL are sometimes used as a way of dealing with problems or depression through the obliteration of all feeling.
Some people report feeling groggy or fuzzy-headed as an after-effect of the use of GBL or GHB. However, the after-effects are generally reported as milder than the after-effects (hangover) from an amount of alcohol that causes a comparable intoxication. This should not necessarily be seen as an advantage as easier recovery may be one of the aspects that allow some people to quickly become heavy users and addicts.