However, some primates will also self-administer GHB but not to the same extent as other drugs such as heroin or cocaine. Investigators report that some individuals experience pleasure after taking the drug. GHB's intoxicating effects are usually seen 10-20 minutes from the time the drug is taken. The effects typically last up to four hours, depending on the dosage. The behavioral and physiological effects of GHB are dose dependent.
Low doses can relax an individual, whereas high doses can be lethal.
The drug has a relatively short half-life, making it difficult to detect in emergency rooms and other such facilities. Tolerance, and as I mentioned earlier physical dependence, are also factors used to determine a drug's abuse liability. Both tolerance to GHB's euphoric and sedative effects and physical dependence have been reported. These properties may contribute to continued abuse. Case studies describe the illicit purchase of GHB for abuse of its sedative, euphorigenic, and anabolic effects and also that some users tend to escalate doses.