GHB Addiction
Treatment
Recovery From Abuse
GHB (short for gamma hydroxybutyrate) was first created in 1960 to relieve pain and treat a variety of conditions.
Since the 1990s, GHB has become a popular club drug that has also been used by body builders to stimulate muscle growth.
A sedative typically found in liquid, tablet, capsule or powder form, GHB is colorless and odorless, which has led to its use as a date rape drug.
On the street, GHB is known as Easy Lay, Gamma 10, G, Scoop, Soap, Gook, Liquid X, Liquid Ecstasy, Somatomax, Grievous Bodily Harm, Georgia Home Boy or Natural Sleep-500.
Effects of GHB
GHB affects some of the same areas of the brain as other sedative drugs such as alcohol and benzodiazepines.
Like these drugs, people abuse GHB as a way to feel relaxed, uninhibited and less anxious.
Side effects of GHB abuse include:
Slowed heart rate and breathing
Decreased body temperature
Drowsiness
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Short-term amnesia
Loss of muscle control
Difficulty speaking
Loss of consciousness
Coma and seizures
GHB Detox & Withdrawal
Over time, GHB abuse can lead to GHB addiction. Heavy users can develop a tolerance to the drug, prompting them to take more of the drug to experience the same high.
If someone addicted to GHB tries to stop using the drug, they may go into withdrawal in as little as one hour. GHB withdrawal symptoms typically last a few days, but may continue up to two weeks. Symptoms may include:
Anxiety
Restlessness
Bone and muscle aches
Nausea
Tremors
Insomnia
Sweating
Chest pain
Hallucinations
Treatment for GHB Addiction
The safest way to get through GHB detox is in a supervised residential facility or hospital.
GHB detox helps treat the physical addiction to GHB. Since this club drug is also psychologically addictive, individuals typically require outpatient or residential GHB addiction treatment that includes counseling, 12-Step support groups and education about the disease.
Click Here for crchealth.com/addiction/ghb-addiction-treatment