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Background <p>Harms associated with gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use have increased recently in Australia. However, research predominantly focuses on the experience of GHB use among LGBTQ + populations. Non-prescribed GHB use has not been well described in heterosexual populations. Research to examine the experience of heterosexual people, including motivations for use, experiences of harms, and utilisation of harm reduction practices, can inform public health messaging.</p> Methods <p>We recruited 26 participants at least 18&#xa0;years of age, reporting three or more occasions of GHB use in the past 12&#xa0;months, via a national social media campaign and snowball methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via video conference, and analysed using a thematic framework analysis.</p> Results <p>Nineteen women (73%) and seven men (27%), mean age 29&#xa0;years (standard deviation 7&#xa0;years) completed interviews. Participants described three distinct patterns of occasional, regular, or daily GHB use. Across these patterns, four key themes emerged: (1) Escapism: participants used GHB to manage mental health symptoms, counteract stimulant effects of methamphetamine, enhance self-confidence, and facilitate sex. Women described using GHB to alleviate body consciousness/dysmorphia. (2) Diverse understandings and experiences of overdose: participants described a spectrum from mild to life-threatening toxicity. Notably, dosing GHB to achieve unconsciousness (intentional overdose) was a theme that dovetailed with boundary play in our sample. Misconceptions included using stimulants to counter GHB toxicity. Fear of police involvement delayed or prevented help seeking. (3) Stigma: Participants reported stigma from peers who use and do not use drugs. (4) Gendered harm reduction practices: A set of practices centred on women protecting women from harms associated with GHB use emerged, with narrations of heightened vigilance and protective behaviours to reduce risks of sexual violence.</p> Conclusion <p>In our heterosexual sample of people who use GHB in Australia, we identified novel aspects of GHB use characterised by escapism, intentional risk-taking, and gendered harm reduction strategies, while stigma featured alongside GHB use. Findings highlight gaps in public health education, particularly regarding intentional dosing towards unconsciousness, misconceptions about overdose management, and barriers to help seeking. Targeted, context-specific harm reduction and mental health interventions responsive to these experiences are required.</p>

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‘A fine line between euphoria and death’: a qualitative study exploring gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use among people who identify as heterosexual living in Australia

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月6日

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  • Keaton Hudson-Buhagiar,
  • Jonathan Brett,
  • Alanah Spillane,
  • Simon Clay,
  • Jack Freestone,
  • Brendan Clifford,
  • Stephanie Riches-Evans,
  • Nadine Ezard,
  • Darren M. Roberts,
  • Kane Race,
  • Krista J. Siefried

摘要

Background

Harms associated with gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use have increased recently in Australia. However, research predominantly focuses on the experience of GHB use among LGBTQ + populations. Non-prescribed GHB use has not been well described in heterosexual populations. Research to examine the experience of heterosexual people, including motivations for use, experiences of harms, and utilisation of harm reduction practices, can inform public health messaging.

Methods

We recruited 26 participants at least 18 years of age, reporting three or more occasions of GHB use in the past 12 months, via a national social media campaign and snowball methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via video conference, and analysed using a thematic framework analysis.

Results

Nineteen women (73%) and seven men (27%), mean age 29 years (standard deviation 7 years) completed interviews. Participants described three distinct patterns of occasional, regular, or daily GHB use. Across these patterns, four key themes emerged: (1) Escapism: participants used GHB to manage mental health symptoms, counteract stimulant effects of methamphetamine, enhance self-confidence, and facilitate sex. Women described using GHB to alleviate body consciousness/dysmorphia. (2) Diverse understandings and experiences of overdose: participants described a spectrum from mild to life-threatening toxicity. Notably, dosing GHB to achieve unconsciousness (intentional overdose) was a theme that dovetailed with boundary play in our sample. Misconceptions included using stimulants to counter GHB toxicity. Fear of police involvement delayed or prevented help seeking. (3) Stigma: Participants reported stigma from peers who use and do not use drugs. (4) Gendered harm reduction practices: A set of practices centred on women protecting women from harms associated with GHB use emerged, with narrations of heightened vigilance and protective behaviours to reduce risks of sexual violence.

Conclusion

In our heterosexual sample of people who use GHB in Australia, we identified novel aspects of GHB use characterised by escapism, intentional risk-taking, and gendered harm reduction strategies, while stigma featured alongside GHB use. Findings highlight gaps in public health education, particularly regarding intentional dosing towards unconsciousness, misconceptions about overdose management, and barriers to help seeking. Targeted, context-specific harm reduction and mental health interventions responsive to these experiences are required.