Latest news with #GHB
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
How the cost-of-living crisis is making younger Aussies ditch expensive alcohol for a deadly drug
Overdoses related to the deadly 'don't wake up' drug have skyrocketed among Australians in recent years as some fear financial pressures may be pushing young people towards hard substances. Gamma hydroxybutyrate, better known as GHB, is being used by an increasingly large number of younger Aussies. Many believe its low cost, accessibility, and mind-altering effects are making it an increasingly popular alternative to alcohol. The drug has attracted global attention due to the notoriously small margin of error between the amount used for an average recreational dosage and an overdose. The effects - relaxation, sociability, euphoria and an increased sex drive - can be felt within 15 minutes. But, even a slight overdose of the drug can prove fatal. The number of GHB-related ambulance callouts has surged across Australia in recent years according to new research from Monash University and Turning Point. Victoria is the national capital for GHB-related ambulance attendances, with 65.8 attendances per 100,000 people in 2023. It represented a 67 per cent increase from the year prior, following a 147 per cen t increase across the state between 2012 and 2019. Attendances also spiked in Tasmania, increasing by 346 per cent between 2022 and 2023. Reformed ice dealer Braiden Tonks recently told Daily Mail Australia GHB was on the rise nationwide for its sought-after side-effects. 'It just slows your heart right down, puts you into a completely relaxed state where your heart will just slowly beat and just slowly just stop, that's how you die from it,' he said. 'It's not like an instant bang of being stabbed, I'm dead. It's just slow, just like, go to sleep, don't wake up.' Young people are more likely both to abuse the drug and to require emergency help following GHB use. Affordability aside, some believe financial pressures are contributing to an appetite for harder substances. Canberra emergency consulant Dr David Caldicott told ABC News its promise of 'escape' from reality was more influential than its afforability. 'I think young people are looking for an escape from what really does not appear to be a very attractive future for them,' he said. 'I think that's probably a considerably more important element than the cost.' Uncover Mental Health Counselling founder and psychotherapist Kristie Tse said financial pressures were engendering a 'need for relief'. 'One of the biggest drivers is the desire to escape or cope with stress, which has been exacerbated by rising financial pressures and uncertainty about the future,' she told NewsWire. 'The cost of living plays into this, as financial strain can lead to heightened anxiety and a need for relief, which some may seek through substance use.' One Touch finance founder Maria Rosey told NewsWire cost-of-living pressures can create circumstances where substance use is seen as more acceptable. 'As money stress becomes more common, so does the acceptance of substances as coping mechanisms,' she said. 'The increase in GHB use during the money crisis shows us that substance use problems can't be solved by focusing only on the substances themselves. 'We need to address the conditions that make people turn to substances in the first place.'
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Calls for action after spike in GHB-related ambulance call-outs among young Australians
Monash University has reported a worrying increase in GHB usage among young people in Australia, particularly across Victoria and Tasmania, indicating a worrying trend as the cost-of-living crunch continues to cripple the nation. In conjunction with Turning Point, a report from Monash University revealed a startling spike in GHB-related ambulance call-outs among Australians aged between 25 and 34 in the past three years. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, better known as GHB, is a party drug that was originally intended as an anaesthetic, targeting the central nervous system and causing feelings of distress, confusion, vomiting and blackouts. Frequently presented as a tasteless and odourless liquid, it's commonly used in drink spiking and, due to its high dosage and undetectable nature, can be fatal. Turning Point National Addiction and Mental Health Surveillance Unit strategic lead and Monash University researcher Rowan Ogeil said it would only take a small amount of the drug to lead to an overdose. 'The difference between the amount to reach the desired effect and an overdose can be very small,' he said. 'Our research team has previously shown that this leads to high rates of overdose or loss of consciousness in GHB users.' According to the study, there has been a 67 per cent increase in GHB-related ambulance call-outs in Victoria between 2022 and 2023. While areas in Melbourne such as the Stonnington and Yarra regions – which are home to Chapel St and its stretch of nightclubs – have some of the highest rates of GHB-related ambulance call-outs, Geelong now accounts for 31 per cent of all GHB-related ambulance attendances. The study found the number of GHB-related ambulance call-outs had increased tenfold in the span of five years across Geelong, expanding from 20 incidents in 2018 to 200 in 2023. GHB-related ambulance call-outs also spiked in Tasmania, with the Apple Isle reporting a 346 per cent increase between 2022 and 2023. Dr Ogeil added that young people were largely the subjects of the call-outs. 'Our research has found that it is young people who are most affected,' he told NewsWire. 'In our study, people under 30 were more likely to require emergency help from paramedics following GHB use.' As the cost-of-living crisis continues to ravage the country, an increasing number of young Australians are finding cheaper ways to enjoy themselves on a night out. According to Drinkwise, 65 per cent of Gen Z want to drink less alcohol, with almost 23 per cent choosing to stay away from the bottle altogether. However, young Australians are also more likely to partake in casual party drugs than other generations, according to the Australian Alcohol and Drug Foundation. Uncover Mental Health Counselling founder and psychotherapist Kristie Tse said there were many reasons young people were turning away from alcohol and towards party drugs, including anxiety triggered by rising costs. 'One of the biggest drivers is the desire to escape or cope with stress, which has been exacerbated by rising financial pressures and uncertainty about the future,' she said. 'The cost of living plays into this, as financial strain can lead to heightened anxiety and a need for relief, which some may seek through substance use.' Penny-pinching partygoers may be turning away from alcohol and heading to cheaper – and in many cases, more dangerous – methods for a night out on the town. 'However, the risks are significant, and what often starts as a way to momentarily escape or enhance an experience can spiral into dependency or harm,' Ms Tse warned. One Touch finance founder Maria Rosey said the cost-of-living crisis may be driving young people toward alternative ways of seeking a 'buzz'. 'As money stress becomes more common, so does the acceptance of substances as coping mechanisms,' she said. 'This normalisation happens through social media, peer groups, and cultural messaging that frames substance use as a reasonable response to unreasonable circumstances. 'The increase in GHB use during the money crisis shows us that substance use problems can't be solved by focusing only on the substances themselves. 'We need to address the conditions that make people turn to substances in the first place.' Better knowledge of drug safety can also be found prominently on social media, which Ms Rosey said may sway younger generations towards swapping out drinks for party drugs, including GHB. 'This generation has grown up with easy access to information about substances through the internet,' she told NewsWire. 'They know way more about dosages, drug interactions, and staying safe than older generations did. This knowledge makes them feel safer and more in control, but that feeling might be false.' Despite young people having better information at their disposal, Dr Ogeil said the increase in GHB-related ambulance calls signified a lack of harm-reduction services. 'These patterns show us where and when people need support most,' he said. 'Rather than waiting for emergency situations, we need accessible harm-reduction services that can engage with people before harms escalate.'
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The terrifying 'don't wake up' drug sweeping Australia: Recovered meth addict sounds the alarm
A reformed ice dealer has sounded the alarm over a 'don't wake up' rave drug he warns has the power to devastate countless lives in Australia. When he was dealing, Braiden Tonks, 32, drove luxury cars and Harley Davidsons. But, after countless years of abusing meth, sleeping rough and a stint in Tasmania 's frigid Risdon prison, he left the criminal world behind. Now, the Gold Coast tradie and dad is raising awareness of the dangers of the party drug GHB, also known as gamma hydroxybutyrate or 'Frank'. GHB, typically sold in fish-shaped soy sauce packets, is mixed with soft or alcoholic drinks and inhibits the signalling of pain between the nerves in the brain and body. The effects - relaxation, sociability, euphoria and an increased sex drive - are felt within 15 minutes. But, even a slight overdose of the drug can prove fatal. Mr Tonks said the rave drug has gained a cult following in south-east Queensland and is steadily rising in popularity across Australia. 'It just slows your heart right down, puts you into a completely relaxed state where your heart will just slowly beat and just slowly just stop, that's how you die from it,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'It's not like an instant bang of being stabbed, I'm dead. It's just slow, just like, go to sleep, don't wake up.' The former drug dealer and meth addict said he had receive word from his underworld sources that it was rising in popularity. 'It's one of those drugs that's just growing by the day, and dropping people, left, right and centre... it goes hand in hand with addicts as well,' he said. The clear, odourless liquid is also commonly used as a 'date rape' drug. 'You can imagine in a nightclub, let's just say if there's a dirty old bloke over there, and there's a group of girls over there, and he just does a quick squirt in their drink, for example,' Mr Tonks said. 'The next thing you know, there's an ambulance running in to try and save one of these girls, it's as simple as that, it's dangerous.' Dr Hester Wilson, Chief Addiction Medicine Specialist for the Royal College of General Practitioners, said certain factors can increase GHB's risk factors. A slim proportion of the population have reported trying the drug, however, usage is higher among those who take or inject other illicit drugs. Among those who inject drugs, 15 per cent reported using GHB. 'If you don't have enough, it does nothing. And if you have too much, you overdose. And that window of dose is pretty narrow,' Dr Wilsonn said. Dr Wilson said doses could be miscalculated when combining GHB with other drugs, adding it was challenging for doctors to deter patients who have overdosed, due to the minimal 'comedown' or 'withdrawal' symptoms. 'They'll wake up and feel absolutely fine, won't know what has happened,' she said. 'It can be hard to engage them. They'll just wander off home. They're a hard group to engage in kind of harm reduction strategies.' Users also take gamma-butyrolactone or 'fantasy', the compound 1,4-Butanediol. Both are chemical precursors to GHB and convert to the substance once ingested. GHB and its chemical relatives can be illegally produced under the guise of legal intentions, for purposes such as 3D printing and creating spandex. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said the substance was increasingly being used for recreational use after 3.8tonnes of 1,4-Butanediol was seized in May. Acting Assistant Commissioner Paula Hudson said organised crime networks will flood communities with any illicit substance for lucrative profits. 'By importing this substance into Australia, criminal networks are creating a demand and appetite for this drug and the bigger the appetite, the bigger the profits,' she said. 'We have seen organised crime use a number of methods to illegally import this substance into Australia, such as concealing it in bottles labelled as cosmetics, including shampoo and body wash.'
Time Business News
6 days ago
- Time Business News
Top Qualities of a Great Gamma‑Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) Trafficking Attorney in Tampa, FL
When you or a loved one faces serious drug charges, having a gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) trafficking attorney in Tampa, FL, can make all the difference. This article walks you through the top qualities to seek in a lawyer who specializes in GHB trafficking cases, broken down into clear, reader‑friendly sections. 1. Deep Knowledge of GHB Trafficking Laws GHB is classified under Florida's trafficking statute (F.S. § 893.135), and penalties vary depending on substance weight, from 1 kg triggering first‑degree felony charges to penalties escalating with larger amounts. A top attorney must know these thresholds and mandatory minimums inside out. 2. Local Expertise in Tampa Courts Florida prosecutions for drug trafficking, especially GHB, can involve mandatory minimum prison terms and hefty fines. A lawyer familiar with Tampa's judges, prosecutors, and local legal culture can tailor strategies, like challenging search warrants or negotiating bond hearings. 3. Excellent Communication Skills Criminal defense isn't just about law; it's also about people. Good attorneys explain complex legal concepts (like 'constructive possession') in simple terms, keep clients in the loop, and answer questions with patience. According to Career Village, strong communication and research skills are non‑negotiable for criminal lawyers. 4. Sharp Analytical & Problem‑Solving Ability Every case is unique. Whether reviewing evidence for illegal searches or questioning chain‑of‑custody for seized substances, a lawyer must dissect every detail. This resourcefulness is echoed across criminal defense guidelines. 5. Genuine Client Focus & Compassion Facing GHB trafficking charges is terrifying. A dependable attorney will treat clients as people first, understanding their fears, answering calls, and guiding them through the process. Reddit attorneys stress the importance of 'guiding a client' and managing expectations through complex cases. 6. Proven Track Record Results matter. Seek a lawyer who has successfully defended GHB or similar drug trafficking cases in Tampa. Check client testimonials, case results, and whether they've gotten charges reduced or dismissed. A proven record is a strong indicator of competence. 7. Negotiation Skills & Trial Readiness Many cases settle before trial, but when they don't, your lawyer must shine in court. Negotiate concessions, plea deals, or suppression motions with confidence. If a trial is needed, they must be ready to go toe‑to‑toe with the prosecution. 8. Ethical Behavior & Integrity Your attorney must always act ethically—protecting your rights, maintaining confidentiality, and avoiding flashy promises. They shouldn't guarantee results, but they should be upfront about possibilities and risks. 9. Experience with Mandatory Minimum & Sentencing Strategies GHB trafficking carries strict mandatory minimum sentences—e.g., 3 years for 1–5 kg, 7 years for 5–10 kg, and 15 years for 10 kg+. Skilled attorneys may negotiate 'substantial assistance' arrangements with prosecutors to reduce these penalties, but only an experienced lawyer should attempt that. 10. Adaptability & Ongoing Learning Laws and courtroom practices change. A top attorney keeps up with updates to Florida's statutes, like expansions of capital trafficking or new court rulings, ensuring your defense benefits from the latest legal thinking. Why These Qualities Matter Knowledge empowers them to challenge evidence or negotiate effectively. Communication & compassion help you feel supported. Proven results show they've delivered under pressure. Ethical integrity means you won't be misled. Adaptability shields you from evolving legal threats. Final Thoughts Choosing a gamma‑hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) trafficking attorney in Tampa, FL, isn't just about hiring a lawyer—it's about teaming up with someone who understands the law, knows the local terrain, cares about you, and fights smart. If you spot these qualities during your research or initial consults, you've likely found the guidance you deserve. If you or your loved one is facing GHB trafficking charges, don't wait. Look for someone with these qualities—and remember, early action with the right attorney can reshape your case's outcome. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
FIRST READING: B.C. politician pushes bill to force schools to say drugs are bad
First Reading is a Canadian politics newsletter curated by the National Post's own Tristin Hopper. To get an early version sent directly to your inbox, sign up here. The B.C. Conservatives are calling for measures to keep 'radical drug lobbyists' out of schools after a school event that featured info cards on how to do drugs such as cocaine, meth and GHB. 'This isn't education. It is grooming kids into drug culture,' said B.C. Conservative MLA Steve Kooner in a Tuesday statement endorsing his private member's bill that, if passed, would compel schools to 'explicitly discourage drug use.' The event in question was a Pride festival sanctioned by the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools District. After accompanying her 10-year-old to the event, Nanaimo, B.C. mother Ruth Taylor alerted local media to the presence of postcard-sized leaflets that local media described as 'drug use information cards.' A card labelled 'meth,' for instance, details the drug's euphoric effects, its reported ability to increase libido and even includes recommended dosages. 'A light dose is around 5-10 mg, a common dose is around 10-30 mg, and a strong dose is 30-40 mg,' it reads. A card for GHB, a common date-rape drug, reads that the substance can 'make the user feel more relaxed and more sociable.' It adds, 'G can also increase libido.' The cards were among the literature offered at a booth run by AIDS Vancouver Island, a harm reduction non-profit funded in part by government bodies such as Island Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Taylor told Chek News that she confronted AIDS Vancouver Island about the materials being inappropriate for schoolchildren, but that 'they were not receptive to what I was saying' and 'the cards stayed for the remainder of the event.' AIDS Vancouver Island didn't respond to a National Post query before press time. In a statement provided to Global News on Monday, the group said it was told the event was for older children and that they stood by 'the fundamental importance of youth receiving honest, factual and appropriate substance use and sexual health materials.' The Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District, in turn, said they took responsibility for 'the lack of oversight' regarding the cards, and said they would be keeping a closer eye on the materials handed out by 'external organizations' at events where students are in attendance. The cards were manufactured by DanceSafe, a California-based non-profit that specializes in providing drug-checking materials to raves, music festivals and other events likely to feature illicit drug use. The group produces 'drug info cards' for 14 distinct drugs, ranging from nicotine to mushrooms to the synthetic psychedelic 2C-B. The cards only cover 'party' drugs, so there's no card for heroin or fentanyl. DanceSafe stresses that its role is as a 'nonjudgmental first point of contact.' As such, the cards warn of the drugs' various side-effects, but they do not suggest that the drug might be best avoided. The cocaine card, for instance, suggests using the drug 'in moderation' in order to avoid developing a 'problematic relationship with it.' 'Cocaine is very short-acting, and the after-effects (the 'comedown') can be quite unpleasant,' it reads, warning that the comedown can prompt 'compulsive redosing.' Each card is also decorated with stylized imagery inspired by the drugs' effects. The meth card is adorned with lightning bolts, while the cocaine card has a 1970s aesthetic, complete with disco ball. Taylor referenced the cards' 'bright' and 'attractive' appearance in her comments to Chek News. Kooner called them 'colourful flashcards.' Kooner's Tuesday statement said the apology from the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District was 'not enough,' and that 'we must stop sending mixed messages on drugs to children.' Earlier this year, Kooner tabled a private member's bill that would require 'mandatory anti‑drug messaging' in schools, that would include 'stigma against drug use as a deterrent.' The DanceSafe cards are far from the first time that a Canadian school event has run into controversy for making materials available to minor that either facilitated drug use or encouraged risky behaviour. Two years ago, a B.C. high school just north of Nanaimo came under fire after a drug awareness presentation concluded with the session leader distributing 'safer snorting' kits. The kit, manufactured by the publicly funded Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, included plastic straws and cards to cut powdered drugs into lines that could then be snorted. 'Have condoms and lube with you. You may want to have sex while high,' read an accompanying booklet. That same year, a Canadian chapter of Planned Parenthood was barred from presenting in Saskatchewan schools after a sex education programmer distributed graphic cards describing fringe sex acts involving defecation and urine. With Canada still ostensibly planning to fix housing unaffordability by scattering the country with millions of government-built homes, a new Montreal Economic Institute report is urging Ottawa to take heed of a similar New Zealand program that failed miserably. KiwiBuild, much like the Carney government's proposed Build Canada Homes, set out to build 100,000 affordable homes within a decade. It only managed 2,389. And this is not the first time that New Zealand has provided Canada a tidy example of what not to do. Like the Liberal government is doing right now, New Zealand tried to combat gun crime by pursuing a massive gun 'buy back.' It went way over budget, and ended up coinciding with gun crime going up. Get all of these insights and more into your inbox by signing up for the First Reading newsletter.
