What is GHB?

Therapeutic and recreational use of GHB can lead to dependence.  The withdrawal syndrome may be challenging to diagnose in the ICU because of similarities with delirium tremens.  According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, the seizure may be an essential feature of the withdrawal syndrome.  [1]

 Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a commonly used club drug, is a Schedule I controlled substance because it has no accepted medical uses and has a high potential for abuse.

GHB Street Names

GHB is habitually taken orally in a clear liquid form.  It has a slightly salty taste and is frequently in a mixture with another liquid, such as juice or alcohol to cover up the flavor.  GHB may be taken alone or combined with other drugs, particularly alcohol.  Some people use it with stimulants, marijuana, and hallucinogens, intensifying the dangers of abusing the substance alone.

GHB Side Effects

GHB is produced naturally in the body as a metabolite of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in small amounts.  (GABA/Gamma-aminobutyric acid – a naturally occurring amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter in your brain)

Though its mechanism of activity isn’t entirely clear, the molecule itself may have some action as a GABA-B receptor agonist.  When consumed as a drug, the intoxicating influences of GHB may be challenging to distinguish from those of other CNS depressant substances.  GHB has a range of short-term effects.  Often lasting between 2-4 hours, and these may include:

Although some users see the intoxicating effects of GHB drug as pleasing, it can be a hazardous substance.  The range between safe and toxic is minimal, and there is no antidote for GHB drug overdose.  Furthermore, at large doses, GHB can result in a variety of hazardous side effects, including:

As with other sedatives, such as benzodiazepines, some GHB users may be at risk of a paradoxical reaction distinguished by aggressive or excited behavior.  As a result, their actions may be unpredictable and can double their risk of injury due to accident or assault with impaired judgment and coordination.

Chronic Use and Physical Dependence

Chronic GHB users can develop physical dependence and encounter the onset of withdrawal symptoms with the abrupt discontinuance of or reduction in use.  Further, suppose someone dependent on the drug continues to use it to avoid or minimize withdrawal symptoms.  In that case, they place themselves at higher risk of cementing the compulsive patterns of substance use common to addiction.

GHB Detox & Withdrawal Management

Find medical support for planned GHB/GBL detoxification and do not attempt to stop abruptly on your own.  If you want to reduce your dose, do so in minimal amounts until you find medical support.

 At a low dose, it causes euphoria, and it is both sedative and amnestic.  However, it has a narrow therapeutic window, and overdose can provoke cardio-respiratory arrest.

GHB has a short half-life and is often not exposed by urine toxicology screening tests.  It can be seen using mass spectroscopy, but delays in this process make screening not that helpful clinically.  Diagnosis is therefore based on history either from the client or from third parties.

Standard features of withdrawal usually surface six to 24 hours after the client’s last drink and include:  [2] 

Other Signs of GHB Withdrawal Syndrome may include:

• Elevated Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
• Seizures
• Development of Confusion or Delirium

More acute withdrawal can be prolonged, and agitated delirium can be the initial presentation.  This can be confused with intoxication with a hallucinogen or stimulant.

On incidents with severe withdrawal, rhabdomyolysis with secondary renal failure can happen.  In addition, Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome has been reported in association with GHB withdrawal. It is important to find GHB withdrawal help, medical-assisted process is the most recommendable type to deal with the symptoms.

Withdrawal Management [3] focuses on the following:

GHB Detox Timeline and Protocol 

As part of a supervised medical detox program, medical professionals monitor withdrawal progress to assure that significantly troublesome symptoms and complications are in proper management appropriately.  In many cases, GHB withdrawal is linked with few severe physical symptoms;  nevertheless, specific withdrawal effects may intensify and may even be fatal in some cases.

Less severe withdrawal syndromes will typically include supportive care;  however, in addition to supportive care, more severe cases may necessitate quick medical action to address possible complications like seizures and agitation.

In supervised detox programs, close monitoring of withdrawal symptoms allows medical and mental health professionals to guarantee your safety.  They will also prescribe supportive medications such as sleep aids for insomnia and sedatives for severe anxiety and seizure management when required.

GHB is a dangerous substance, and its chronic use can negatively affect your health and wellbeing.  When it comes to compulsive use, just quitting can be difficult and may not be advisable due to potentially dangerous acute withdrawal manifestations.  To determine if you need a medical detox program to keep you safe and comfortable during the withdrawal phase of early recovery, you should undergo evaluation with medical doctors.

Evaluation, GHB Detox, Treatment

By evaluating the details of your substance use history, they can better assess factors such as addiction severity;  the magnitude of physical dependence, and the possibility of a severe and complicated withdrawal to guide their recommendations for the suitable level of treatment.

The course of either inpatient or outpatient substance treatment will vary greatly, depending on the needs of the individual;   including how severe their addiction to GHB is if they are using other drugs and if they have other mental health issues in addition to addiction.

GHB Detox at We Level Up New Jersey Holistic Treatment Center

For anyone who suffers from addiction, just the thought of having to stop using can cause severe mental distress.  But, with the help of a medical detox center, the medical detox process is manageable.  In addition, a comprehensive team prescribing medications can alleviate your withdrawal pains while monitoring your health 24 hours. 

We are assuring both your safety and comfort.

At We Level Up NJ, our thorough approach to rehabilitation supports several levels of care to ensure the best possible outcome for every patient who enters our doors.  From an intensive and more supportive atmosphere for those in the early days of recovery to a comfortable residential-style living dynamic upon completion of detox, we are here to help guide you down the safe and results-based path to your sobriety.

To start reclaiming your life from addiction and undergo a comfortable GHB detox, you may contact us, and we will guide you to recovery.  Seek medical care immediately if you have taken too much GHB/GBL.  So, do not use other drugs in the hope of reversing the effects.