Australia's GHB Crisis Deepens as Overdoses and Deaths Surge Tenfold
Australian authorities have issued repeated warnings about the dangers of GHB, a drug often called 'liquid ecstasy'. The substance has seen a sharp rise in use, hospitalisations and deaths over the past decade. Despite law enforcement efforts, illegal imports of its precursor continue high, and online suppliers continue to evade restrictions.
GHB is known for producing euphoria and disinhibition at low doses. But the Australian Federal Police have stressed that there is no safe amount—even small variations in dosage can lead to overdose. The drug's narrow safety margin means repeated use or mixing with alcohol and other depressants can cause respiratory failure or unconsciousness.
Since 2013, GHB-related deaths in Australia have surged tenfold, from 0.02 to 0.24 per 100,000 people. Hospitalisations have also tripled, rising from 5.3 to 19.1 cases per 100,000. Treatment episodes linked to the drug have followed the same upward trend, increasing tenfold over the same period.
The drug's low cost—around AU$5 per dose—has contributed to its growing popularity. Some users now buy it in bulk by the litre. Data shows the share of Australians reporting GHB use in the past year has tripled over the last decade.
Illegal imports of 1,4-butanediol, the chemical used to make GHB, have spiked. Authorities seized over 18.3 tonnes of the precursor in the 12 months leading to March. Globally, online vendors in Asia and Europe continue to supply it, while darknet markets adapt shipping routes to bypass controls. Reports from the UNODC and EMCDDA indicate this trade remains widespread as of 2025.
The rise in GHB use has led to more overdoses, hospital visits and deaths across Australia. Despite crackdowns on precursor imports, the drug remains cheap and accessible. Authorities continue to monitor its spread as online suppliers find new ways to distribute it.
