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acute danger to life

Not Wakeable After GHB or GBL

When When someone suddenly can no longer be woken after using GHB or GBL (G-lock).

review pending

Content is undergoing medical and legal review. Changes possible.

Emergency

Call 112. Calling for help is required by law (German Criminal Code § 323c). levelll cannot promise immunity from criminal or administrative consequences.

Immediate

  1. 1. Call 112. A person who cannot be woken needs medical monitoring — even if breathing seems stable.
  2. 2. Recovery position. Head tilted back, mouth open. Keep the airway clear.
  3. 3. Monitor breathing constantly. If breathing stops, start chest compressions immediately.

Don't do

  • Do not leave the person alone, not even 'just briefly'. Breathing can stop at any moment.
  • Do not try to shake them awake by slapping, shaking, cold water, or smelling salts. This endangers breathing and risks aspiration.
  • Do not give any other substance to counteract it — no coffee, no cocaine, no amphetamine.

GHB/GBL has a half-life of about 30 minutes. If breathing stays stable and no polydrug components are added, the person typically sleeps it off.

But: this is not an assessment that laypeople should make at home. Respiratory arrest with GHB/GBL happens suddenly, without warning. Polydrug use with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids increases the risk massively.

There is no antidote for GHB. The only emergency treatment is securing the airway and monitoring breathing. Naloxone does not help.

Aspiration pneumonia after vomiting is a common secondary complication — so keep them in the recovery position consistently.