Dublin’s LGBT venues and promoters are joining forces to highlight the dangers of GHB, the illegal drug most closely associated with the Irish chemsex party scene.
You can read Hot Press’ in-depth report on GHB, which includes input from the Gay Switchboard, the Ana Liffey Drug Project, and G expert Dr. Adam Winstock at [link]hotpress.com/features/The-truth-behind-Dublins-gay-chemsex-scene/17439881.html[/link]
The man who’s triggered the debate is Buzz O’Neill who has introduced a GHB zero tolerance policy at his Sunday Social night in the Odessa Club.
Signs have been posted in the venue saying: “If you are DUMB enough to take GHB, be SMART enough to go somewhere else. You will be BARRED for life from half the clubs and bars on the scene."
Talking to Hot Press, O’Neill says: “I’m loathe to use the phrase but this summer GHB use has reached near epidemic level on the Dublin scene; it’s everywhere. People are having after-parties in their houses and apartments where it seems to be the drug of choice. I’m no shrinking violet when it comes to drugs, but the problem with GHB is that it’s a virtually immeasurable substance. It’s so easy to overdose; taking it with alcohol is a big ‘no-no’ and that’s what they’re doing. Talking to ambulance guys and people I know in the services, they say they’re being stretched right now by GHB.
“The gay scene has never been so alive – the numbers are up hugely post-referendum because 1) A lot of people are easier now about coming out and 2) We’ve become a major LGBT tourist destination. We’re getting a lot of repeat business from London and Manchester where GHB has been part of the scene for a lot longer than here.
“You can call it a bit of a knee-jerk reaction from me,” O’Neill continues, “but we put up those signs last Sunday, and it’s getting the reaction I wanted it to get. I don’t want to see ambulances queuing up outside my club. I’ve contacted every venue and promoter on the scene, and we’re talking as one. People have to wise-up to the dangers of GHB.”