‘A fine line between euphoria and death’: a qualitative study exploring gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use among people who identify as heterosexual living in Australia
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.
Authors
- Brendan Clifford (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9178-9013)
- Nadine Ezard (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7495-8305)
- Jack Freestone (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7503-7540)
- Jonathan Brett (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3065-7495)
- Krista J. Siefried
- Alanah Spillane
- Darren M. Roberts
- Keaton Hudson-Buhagiar
- Simon Clay
- Stephanie Riches-Evans
- Kane Race
Institutions
- The University of Sydney (AU)
- New South Wales Department of Health (AU)
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (AU)
- UNSW Sydney (AU)
- St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne (AU)
- St Vincent's Hospital Sydney (AU)
- St Vincent's Health (AU)
- St Vincent's Clinic (AU)
- National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs (AU)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Harm Reduction Journal
- Published
- 2026-02-06
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-026-01405-1
- Primary Topic
- Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00