Overdose or emergency? Call now Hotlines · US 911 · UK 999 · EU 112 · AU 000 · IN 112 · 988 (US crisis) Hotlines
A
GHB / GBL

Alcohol (Ethanol)

Street names: Booze, Liquor, Spirits, Beer, Wine, Ethanol

Alcohol (Ethanol) — Beer, wine, spirits; 5-40% ABV; also hand sanitizer and mouthwash when desperate

What it does

  • Euphoria, disinhibition, social ease at low doses
  • Sedation, impaired coordination, slurred speech
  • Dopamine release in the reward pathway

Key risks

  • THE most harmful drug in most countries by total harm scores: liver disease (cirrhosis), cancer (7 types — breast, colon, liver...)
  • Dependence: ~10-15% of regular heavy drinkers; withdrawal can KILL (seizures, delirium tremens — deadlier than heroin withdrawal)
  • Binge drinking: alcohol poisoning stops breathing; choking on vomit while unconscious
  • Brain damage, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, pancreatitis
  • Fetal alcohol syndrome — no safe dose in pregnancy
  • Mixing with benzos, GHB, opioids, or sleeping pills multiplies respiratory depression

Overdose signs

  • Vomiting while semi-conscious
  • Slow/irregular breathing (<8/min)
  • Cold clammy skin, bluish lips
  • Cannot be woken (passing out is not sleep)

📋Quick facts

Also known asBooze, Liquor, Spirits, Beer, Wine, Ethanol
CategoryGHB / GBL
Schedule / classLegal adult product worldwide; sale to minors banned
AppearanceBeer, wine, spirits; 5-40% ABV; also hand sanitizer and mouthwash when desperate
Street price~$1–$3 per standard drink retail; the cheapest drug per unit of effect
Legal statusLegal 18/21+ globally; Prohibition nowhere comprehensive; Muslim-majority countries ban or heavily restrict
Last updated2026-09-18
Sources: WHO, NIDA, CDC

Category comparison — GHB / GBL

SubstanceClassTop risksStreet price
Alcohol (Ethanol)Legal adult product worldwide; sale to minors bannedTHE most harmful drug in most countries by total harm scores: liver disease (cirrhosis), cancer (7 types — breast, colon, liver...); Dependence: ~10-15% of regular heavy drinkers; withdrawal can KILL (seizures, delirium tremens — deadlier than heroin withdrawal)~$1–$3 per standard drink retail
Nitrous Oxide (Whippets / Galaxy Gas)Legal to possessVITAMIN B12 DESTRUCTION — the signature harm: inactivates B12, causing progressive numbness, tingling, weakness, and in heavy users PERMANENT nerve damage ('drop foot', inability to walk); Oxygen deprivation — 100% nitrous displaces oxygen; unconsciousness and death~$1–$3 per 8g charger
Street prices are regional estimates. Potency and cuts vary constantly.

?Frequently asked questions

What does Alcohol (Ethanol) look like?

Beer, wine, spirits; 5-40% ABV; also hand sanitizer and mouthwash when desperate

What are the signs of a Alcohol (Ethanol) overdose?

Vomiting while semi-conscious; Slow/irregular breathing (<8/min); Cold clammy skin, bluish lips Call emergency services immediately.

How addictive is it?

THE most harmful drug in most countries by total harm scores: liver disease (cirrhosis), cancer (7 types — breast, colon, liver...) Withdrawal can be life-threatening — medical tapering is essential.

🔗Sources & further reading

Facts on this page are compiled from these primary sources. External links open in a new tab.