After a little over two months of closure, the nightclubs are preparing to reopen their doors this Wednesday, February 16, 2022. And for the occasion, the government is launching an awareness and action campaign.
Working in conjunction with the UIH (Union of Hospitality Trades and Industries), Marlène Schiappa unveiled the outlines of this plan on February 15 against “rape drugs”, a “first” in France, the minister delegate in charge of citizenship was pleased. “On social networks, there are many calls for help. We want to get the victims drugged without their knowledge out of loneliness, we have to reverse the shame”she told the Parisian.
This action plan will be built around several axes:
- First a prevention campaign with the display of QR codes in all festive places, and in particular in the toilets of bars and nightclubs. They will immediately alert the police and emergency services to help as quickly as possible a person drugged with GHB. “No matter the time, the free chat can be activated day and night, without disclosing its identity“, continued Marlène Schiappa.
- THE launch of the “rape” protocol for anyone who thinks they have been assaulted while using GHB: toxicological samples and the isolation of clothing will be automatically carried out when drug addicts arrive at the hospital. “People addicted to GHB without their knowledge do not know that they have been – the symptoms being those of excessive alcohol absorption – and risk a sudden decompensation“, explains the government website.
- Finally, night professionals will also receive training given by the police or the narcotics brigade in order to better identify suspicious behavior.
GHB, what is it exactly?
Gammahydroxybutyric acid or GHB is a synthetic drug with sedative, anxiolytic and amnesiac properties. It is used medicinally for the treatment of narcolepsy and as a preoperative anesthetic. But for the past twenty years, GHB has been diverted from its original use, for non-medical purposes.
GHB, or its derivative GBL (less expensive), can be found in different guises:
- Either in the form of a soluble white powder
- Either in the form of a colorless and odorless liquid, stored in small glass or plastic vials. It is then called “liquid ecstasy”.
After ingestion, voluntary or not, GHB will have a disinhibiting effect and cause loss of memory. She is not risk-taking.
What consequences for health?
Today, GHB affects increasingly young populations and is no longer used only by sexual predators. With its anti-GHB plan, the government wants above all to make young people aware of the dangers of this product.
And this, because the ingestion of this product is not without consequences. “This drug which puts the person to sleep and makes him lose his memory can be responsible for comas and lead to irremediable neurological and physical consequences“, can we read on the site jeunes.gouv.fr. In 2018, a 24-year-old young man died following excessive ingestion of GHB and dozens of comas were observed in Paris.
What precautions should be taken with GHB?
People voluntarily using GHB seek a feeling of disinhibition or euphoria. The first recommendation of the Ministry of Solidarity and Health is to limit the risks: “The first risk reduction advice is to consume the smallest possible quantity and to limit the frequency of consumption in the evening, in order to avoid poisoning..” There However, taking GHB should not be trivializedas the negative and life-threatening effects can appear very quickly.
It is also advisable toavoid mixing. Alcohol accentuates the effects of GHB and causes overdoses more quickly. Taking GHB or GBL can also have serious consequences when mixed with an opiate, or certain medications, as is the case for people on protease inhibitor antiretroviral HIV treatment. This treatment has the effect of increasing the blood concentration of GHB in the blood.
Never leave your glass out of sight. Another tip to remember: avoid having a drink that you haven’t seen served and don’t leave your glass unattended at parties.
Finally, in case of discomfort of a loved one, it is important to know how to react. Be sure to check that he remains conscious and stay close to him. If he is unconscious, call the emergency services (the SAMU on 15 or the fire brigade on 18 or 112). Finally, you can join Drugs info service on 0 800 23 13 13from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., 7 days a week: your call is anonymous and totally free.
Sources:
- “Discotheques: the Government announces a national plan against GHB”, government website, February 15, 2022
- “Taking GBL/GHB, knowing how to limit the risks”, jeunes.gouv.fr
- The dictionary of drugs: GHB, drugs-info-services.fr
- Reopening of nightclubs: the government launches a national plan to fight against GHB, The ParisianFebruary 14, 2022
Read also:
- Alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use down among college students
- GBL: this GHB derivative that worries the authorities
