GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is an illegal depressant drug sometimes used as a “party drug” in clubs, bars, and private gatherings, including here in Grand Rapids. It can cause feelings of euphoria, relaxation, sociability, and increased sex drive—but it also carries a high risk of overdose, dependence, and life-threatening side effects.

In Michigan, GHB is a controlled substance. Possession, manufacture, or distribution is illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences, in addition to major health risks.

What Is GHB?

GHB is a central nervous system depressant. It slows brain activity and body functions, similar to other sedative drugs. It is sometimes referred to as:

  • “Liquid ecstasy” (though it is a completely different drug than MDMA/ecstasy)
  • GBH (“grievous bodily harm”)
  • Fantasy
  • G

GHB was first manufactured and studied in the 1960s as an anesthetic. Because of its side effects and abuse potential, it is no longer used this way in routine medical care.

How Does GHB Look and How Is It Taken?

GHB usually appears as:

  • A clear, colorless, slightly salty-tasting liquid (most common)
  • Less commonly, crystals or powder that can be dissolved in liquid

It is usually:

  • Swallowed (often mixed into soft drinks or alcohol)
  • Less commonly injected
  • Sometimes inserted anally

Because it is colorless and can be nearly tasteless in drinks, GHB has been used in drug-facilitated sexual assault. This is a concern in nightlife settings in and around downtown Grand Rapids, college parties, and bar districts.

How GHB Works in the Body

GHB is a depressant with sedative and anesthetic effects. It slows down the brain and central nervous system.

  • Effects usually start within 15 minutes
  • Effects can last 3–4 hours, sometimes longer
  • Small doses can feel more stimulating and sociable
  • Larger doses become sedating, causing drowsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness

One of the most dangerous aspects of GHB is the very narrow margin between a “desired” dose and an overdose. A small increase in the amount taken can cause:

  • Sudden loss of consciousness
  • Breathing to slow or stop
  • Coma
  • Death

There is no safe or recommended recreational dose.

Short-Term Effects of GHB

Short-term effects vary by dose, whether it’s mixed with alcohol or other drugs, and the person’s weight and health. In Grand Rapids, emergency departments at hospitals like Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Metro Health – University of Michigan Health regularly treat complications from depressant drugs.

Possible short-term effects include:

  • Relaxation and drowsiness
  • Euphoria and sociability
  • Reduced inhibitions
  • Increased sex drive
  • Heightened sensitivity to touch

Unpleasant and dangerous effects can include:

  • Dizziness and nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Tremors
  • Tunnel vision
  • Loss of coordination (ataxia)
  • Confusion, irritation, or agitation
  • Hallucinations
  • Blackouts and memory lapses
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Respiratory arrest (stopping breathing)
  • Death

GHB, Alcohol, and Other Drug Combinations

In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, one of the biggest overdose risks comes from mixing substances. Combining GHB with:

  • Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor)
  • Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin)
  • Opioids (heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone)
  • Ketamine
  • Other depressants

can cause:

  • Extreme drowsiness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Confusion and agitation
  • Irregular or shallow breathing
  • Unconsciousness (that can last for several hours)
  • Seizures
  • Death, even at low doses

Combining GHB with stimulants like amphetamines or MDMA (ecstasy) is also dangerous. Stimulants can mask how sedated you are, leading people to take more GHB and dramatically increasing overdose risk.

GHB Dependence, Tolerance, and Withdrawal

GHB can cause dependence very quickly, especially with regular or heavy use—something frontline providers and addiction specialists in Grand Rapids increasingly report.

  • Tolerance: Over time, people need larger and more frequent doses to feel the same effects.
  • Dependence: The body becomes used to GHB; stopping it suddenly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms.

GHB Withdrawal

Withdrawal from GHB can be severe and life-threatening, especially for people using high or frequent doses.

  • Symptoms usually start about 12 hours after the last dose
  • They can last up to 15 days or longer
  • Sudden withdrawal from high doses may require emergency medical care and hospital monitoring

Common withdrawal symptoms can include:

  • Severe anxiety and panic
  • Agitation and restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Tremors
  • Sweating and rapid heart rate
  • Hallucinations
  • Confusion and delirium
  • Seizures
  • Breathing problems

Because of West Michigan’s cold winters and long nights, some people may use sedatives like GHB more heavily to cope with stress, isolation, or seasonal depression. This can increase the risk of rapid dependence and complicated withdrawal.

Do not try to quit heavy or long-term GHB use on your own. Always speak with a medical professional first.

Long-Term Effects of GHB Use

Research on long-term GHB use is still limited, but reported and suspected long-term effects include:

  • Severe memory and concentration problems
  • Increased anxiety and mood disturbances
  • Hallucinations
  • Sleep problems
  • Breathing issues
  • Heart strain and possible heart disease
  • Ongoing cravings and psychological dependence

These issues can affect work, school, and relationships, and may be especially disruptive for students at local colleges (Grand Valley State University, GRCC, Calvin University) and workers in shift-based industries common in the Grand Rapids area.

Signs of GHB Overdose

GHB overdose is a medical emergency. Signs can include:

  • Vomiting
  • Very slow, irregular, or shallow breathing
  • Snoring or gurgling sounds (can signal blocked airway)
  • Pale, cold, or bluish skin, lips, or fingernails
  • Confusion, extreme agitation, or hallucinations
  • Loss of coordination, collapse
  • Blackouts and memory loss
  • Unconsciousness that can last 3–4 hours or more
  • Seizures
  • No response to voice, pain, or shaking
  • Stopping breathing (respiratory arrest)
  • Death

A quick response can save a life.

What To Do in a GHB Emergency in Grand Rapids

If someone may have overdosed on GHB or is having a severe reaction:

  1. Call 911 immediately.

    • In Grand Rapids, EMS will transport to the nearest appropriate emergency department (such as Butterworth, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health).

  2. Stay with the person.

    • Do not leave them alone, especially if they are vomiting or unconscious.

  3. Tell the paramedics what was taken.

    • Be honest about all substances used (GHB, alcohol, pills, other drugs), how much, and when.
    • Also share any known medical conditions.

  4. Check breathing and position.

    • If the person is unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position (on their side, head tilted slightly back).
    • If they are not breathing or you can’t tell, start CPR if you know how and follow dispatcher instructions.

Emergency responders are focused on saving lives. In many overdose situations, Michigan’s Good Samaritan laws provide some protection for people calling for help in a drug emergency.

Getting Help for GHB Use in Grand Rapids, MI

If you or someone you care about is using GHB and wants to cut back or stop, help is available locally.

Medical and Addiction Treatment Resources

  • Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) or Local Clinic

    • Many Grand Rapids residents receive care through Corewell Health (Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or Mercy Health clinics.
    • Ask for a referral to addiction medicine, behavioral health, or a substance use specialist.

  • Local Emergency Departments (for urgent issues or severe withdrawal)

    • Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital (downtown Grand Rapids)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital
    • Metro Health Hospital (Wyoming)

  • Kent County Health Department

    • Offers public health information, referrals, and connections to substance use treatment services in the Grand Rapids area.
    • Website: search “Kent County Health Department substance use services”.

  • Network 180 (Kent County behavioral health authority)

    • Central access point for mental health and substance use services in Kent County.
    • Can help connect you to outpatient, residential, and detox services.

Counseling and Support

  • Local addiction counseling centers and behavioral health clinics in Grand Rapids offer:

    • Individual counseling
    • Group therapy
    • Medication-assisted treatment for some substances
    • Support for co-occurring mental health conditions (like depression or anxiety)

  • Support for families and friends

    • Many local programs and peer-support groups (such as Al‑Anon, Nar‑Anon, and family support groups through area treatment centers) help relatives and friends of people using drugs.

If you’re unsure where to start, you can:

  • Call your doctor’s office and ask for a substance use evaluation
  • Contact Network 180 or the Kent County Health Department for a list of treatment providers
  • Ask at a local hospital social work or case management department for referrals

GHB in the Context of Grand Rapids and Michigan

In Grand Rapids and West Michigan:

  • Cold winters and long periods of indoor activity can contribute to increased substance use for some people.
  • The college and nightlife scene in and around downtown, Eastown, and nearby communities can increase exposure to party drugs like GHB.
  • Michigan’s broader opioid and substance use crisis means many local providers are experienced in treating multiple substance use issues at once.

Because of these factors, understanding the risks of GHB—and knowing where to find help in Grand Rapids—is especially important.

Key Points About GHB in Grand Rapids, MI

  • GHB is an illegal nervous system depressant that can cause euphoria, relaxation, and sociability—but also rapid dependence and life-threatening overdose.
  • There is a very small difference between a dose that feels “effective” and a dose that causes overdose, coma, or death.
  • GHB is often a clear liquid and may be mixed into drinks, increasing the risk of unintentional use or assault.
  • Withdrawal can be severe and life-threatening, especially after heavy or frequent use. Always seek medical guidance before stopping.
  • Mixing GHB with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, ketamine, or other depressants greatly increases the risk of respiratory arrest and death.
  • In an emergency in Grand Rapids, call 911 immediately and stay with the person until help arrives.
  • Residents of Grand Rapids can access help through local hospitals, primary care providers, Network 180, the Kent County Health Department, and community addiction treatment programs.

If you or someone you know in Grand Rapids is struggling with GHB or other substances, reaching out for help is a critical first step—and effective, confidential treatment is available.