Dancing on the edge? The motivational drivers of gamma-hydroxybutyrate/gamma-butyrolactone use – A longitudinal mixed-methods study

Although recreational use of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its precursors gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and 1,4-butanediol (BD) is increasing and poses high risks (e.g. overdose, addiction, withdrawal), research on motives driving their use is lacking. The present study therefore aims to systematically examine the underlying motives and associations with psychological distress. This mixed-methods longitudinal study includes two waves of anonymous online data collection (11/2022–01/2023; 11/2023–01/2024) in Germany. The adult sample (Nbaseline = 2196; with nfollow-up = 240) was recruited via convenience-sampling, primarily from Berlin’s nightlife-scene, and comprises GHB/GBL/BD users and their non-using peers. Structured motive ratings and open-ended self-reported motives were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Cross-lagged panel-models were used to test bidirectional longitudinal associations between GHB/GBL/BD use and anxiety and depressive symptoms, while moderation analyses were used to assess whether coping motives influenced these relationships. GHB/GBL/BD use was primarily driven by hedonistic motives such as euphoria and sexual stimulation, while coping-related motives (e.g. anxiety reduction, mood improvement) were also endorsed, particularly among heavy users. Motives remained largely stable over time. Anxiety and depressive symptoms did not predict later use, nor vice versa. However, coping motives moderated the relationship, strengthening the association between symptoms and use frequency. While GHB/GBL/BD are mainly used for recreational hedonistic purposes, distress-related motives also seem to play a role, especially in heavier use. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention, harm-reduction, and therapeutic strategies that consider both hedonistic and coping-driven use, while accounting for the unique characteristics and risks associated with GHB/GBL/BD.