In episode 4 of Baby Reindeer, we see Darrien give Donny the drug GHB. Obviously, it has quite an effect on him, but most viewers will be left wondering what GHB is. Even those who have dabbled in the world of narcotics likely haven’t run into the relatively rare drug. So, read on below to find out more about why Donny behaved the way he did at Darrien’s apartment.
Why did Darrien give Donny GHB in Baby Reindeer?
In Baby Reindeer, Darrien gives Donny GHB, which has a noticeable sedative effect. That makes sense becauses gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is prescribed as Xyrem (sodium oxybate) for the treatment of narcolepsy. When abused, it has euphoric effects similar to alcohol and MDMA, and major side effects are nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, agitation, amnesia, and death. It typically lasts around 1.5 to 4 hours, but it can take longer to come down if large quantities have been consumed.
Because it’s odorless, tasteless, and colorless, GHB is currently one of the most commonly used date-rape drugs, according to the National Drug Intelligence Center. Additionally, it only has a urine half-life of 6-12 hours, which means it’s typically out of a victim’s system by the time they can report an incident to the authorities.
In the US, GHB is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, which means the potential for abuse is high and that there’s no accepted medical use. In the UK, it’s a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. It’s also a controlled substance in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, and it’s listed on the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances treaty as a Schedule II drug.
Needless to say, GHB doesn’t have many redeeming qualities. From a strictly pragmatic point of view, other controlled substances provide the drug’s positive recreational effects without the sedation. Baby Reindeer clearly spells out the risks and the common usage of this narcotic and how sexual predators use it to prey on victims.
