Preliminary web-based measures development for GHB: expectancies, functions, and withdrawal.

BACKGROUND: Much of what is understood regarding gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) treatment is based on hospital case studies for overdose and withdrawal, and there are currently no measures developed specifically for GHB or its analogs (e.g., gamma butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol) to assess drug effect expectancies, reasons for starting use, withdrawal effects, and knowledge and opinions about use. OBJECTIVES: This pilot study (N = 61) was conducted to begin measures development to assess experiences, functions of use, and opinions regarding use as indicated by respondents taking a Web-based survey. METHODS: Minimum average partial correlation and parallel analysis procedures are employed to create scales. RESULTS: Scales were developed to assess expectancies, reasons for use, withdrawal, and knowledge/opinions of use with median α = .79 and that account for 8.69-24.17% of the variance. CONCLUSION: Scales have relatively good psychometric properties and replication is needed. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: GHB-specific measures may greatly assist in furthering our understanding of protective and risk factors for use, and withdrawal phenomena.

A web-based study of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB): patterns, experiences, and functions of use.

GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) was developed as a general anesthetic. Due to dosing difficulty and side effects, regular use was discontinued. Medical uses include treating sleep and alcohol disorders. In the 1990s, it was promoted as a supplement and taken to improve mood and sex. GHB and its analogs (gamma butyrolactone and butanediol) were widely available until federal regulations were put into effect with mounting evidence of adverse events. This survey (N = 61) study was conducted to assess patterns, experiences, and functions of use. Much of what is understood regarding GHB treatment is based on hospital case studies for overdose and withdrawal. Not enough is known about prevention, reducing use and associated problems, or relapse. We know little about specific drug effect expectancies, triggers, coping skills, and consequences of use (positive/negative). While the drug treatment literature has a wealth of information to draw upon, GHB-specific information may greatly assist relapse prevention.