Verward, verdoofd en verslaafd: politie en GHB-problematiek

Confused, unconscious and addicted. Police and GHB-issues

Dutch police are confronted with problematic GHB use in different ways. Users often lose consciousness and can then behave des-oriented and aggressive. Effects of GHB use, craving and withdrawal symptoms may be accompanied by domestic violence. Driving under the influence of GHB leads to serious (fatal) traffic accidents. GHB related problems are unequally spread across the Netherlands. This article presents the most common types of problematic GHB users Dutch police have to deal with (classical addicts, street youth, clubbers and home users). Although GHB related crime does play a role, the problems are mainly related to public order and health. A specific problem is whether or not to detain GHB dependent arrestees. This article describes how the police deal with these problems, and discusses the collaboration with addiction treatment services.