GHB is short for ‘gamma-hydroxybutyrate’. This drug is classed as a depressant and hallucinogen. GHB is also classed as a sedative since it affects the central nervous system when consumed. GHB is often used as a sleeping pill and anaesthetic. GHB is also consumed as a ‘party drug’.

The drug is usually consumed orally and commonly mixed with alcohol. Once consumed GHB can be taken anywhere between 10 minutes to an hour to kick in, and the effects last for up to three hours or more in some instances.

Some reports indicate that GHB effects are prolonged if consumed with alcohol, however, it can also be very dangerous to mix the drug with alcohol due to the fact that you are mixing GHB with a depressant.

Initially, GHB was developed in the United States as a form of pre-medication in order to help patients sleep before surgery. GHB can cause a mild ‘high’ when consumed in smaller doses and sedation in higher doses.

According to DrugWise.org, users of GHB have been known to report that the drug makes them feel a sense of euphoria, while also experiencing side effects such as a loss of inhibitions, heightened feelings of confidence, and an increased libido. There have also been individuals who relate the experience of taking GHB to the experience of taking ecstasy.

However, it is most common that people report experiencing a sensation that is incredibly similar to being drunk.

GHB Health Risks

GHB consumption — be it by mixing it into a drink, snorting it, or even in some rare and incredibly dangerous cases injecting it — also comes with a wealth of potential health complications. These negative and dangerous side-effects can include the likes of:

  • Nausea
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Drowsiness
  • Seizures
  • Amnesia
  • Hallucinations
  • Coma
  • Seizures and tremors
  • Vomiting
  • Unconsciousness
  • Death

Due to the fact that GHB is odourless and causes a lack of muscle control it is commonly used as a date rape drug. GHB can have a salty or soapy taste, which is something you should definitely be aware of if you come to think that you may have been spiked on a night out.

GHB can also impact your short-term mental health and central nervous system, by causing repeated confusion and a general sense of disorientation after having consumed the drug.

Furthermore, GHB can be a very easy drug to accidentally overdose on. This is due to the fact that the strength of GHB can easily vary from bottle to bottle, and the difference between recreational consumption and overdosing levels can be minuscule. People who have overdosed on GHB in the past have been known to fall unconscious, slip into comas, and even die as a result.

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Landline: 01253 847 553

Email: info@oceanrecoverycentre.com

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Our Ghb Rehabilitation Programme

When you choose Ocean Recovery in Blackpool as your GHB rehabilitation programme provider you will receive 24-hour a day medical attention.

During this period withdrawal symptoms are closely monitored and prescription drugs may be offered in order to ease the pain. A medically-assisted detox treatment will make it possible for our staff to monitor and manage any side effects you present with and help you to pass through this potentially very difficult time with relative ease.

Following detoxification, you will take part in a number of counselling and therapy sessions. You will not only be able to benefit from one-to-one therapy sessions but you will also be able to share your experiences and forge a support network with like-minded individuals in group therapy sessions lead by a trained professional.

Furthermore, we will also employ other therapies and treatments to confront your addiction at its root and treat both your body and your mind, by implementing such treatments as Cognitive behavioural therapy, meditation therapy, stress management, relapse prevention, family drug support, and more.

By the time that they leave our facilities, our clients will be armed with powerful coping strategies which prevent relapse upon leaving our centre as well as access to our complimentary aftercare programs.

GHB Withdrawal Symptoms

A lot of people who recreationally use GHB falsely claim that the drug is not addictive, however, this is simply not the case. And, like many other drugs, when a person becomes addicted to GHB then they may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms if they try and stop taking the drug for an extended period of time.

When withdrawal is experienced, a number of potentially dangerous symptoms can occur. The symptoms of GHB withdrawal can vary from a physical to a psychological nature, and the potentially serve nature of them means that relapse is incredibly likely.

Also, the dangerous nature of the side effects means that it is not wise to try and detox from GHB without medical support — such as that which is provided at the detox clinics in Ocean Recovery Centre’s drug and alcohol treatment centres.

GHB Withdrawal symptoms can include, but are not limited to:

  • Sweating
  • Anxiety
  • Muscle pain
  • Panic attacks
  • Hallucinations
  • Insomnia
  • Paranoia
  • Seizures
  • Tremors
  • Restlessness

The severity of GHB addiction should never be downplayed. According to Rehab Spot, the Founder of Project GHB Trinka Porrata described GHB as “harder to quit than Heroin.”

For Quick Access To Ghb Rehabilitation Call Ocean Recovery Today

We want to make sure that everyone who is struggling with drug abuse, be it someone abusing GHB or any other substances, can get the help that they desperately need.

By treating the root cause of addiction, and by helping you to form positive support networks, support groups, and coping mechanisms to deal with triggers and stressors in daily life that may have previously caused you to turn to GHB abuse, we are confident that Ocean Recovery Centre’s drug rehab programs may well be the best possible chance you have of a long-term and successful recovery from GHB addiction.

Reach out to a member of our staff today.

John Gillen - Director at Ocean Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: December 22, 2023

John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.

Dr Adel Ghaly

Dr Adel Ghaly - Clinical Reviewer - Last reviewed: December 5, 2023

MB BCh, Psychological Medicine (Substance Misuse Psychiatry) from 2002

Dr Adel Ghaly is a registered Doctor who is a specialist psychiatrist. Dr Ghaly gained an MB BCh in 1982 from Assiut University and has since become a substance misuse specialist and psychiatrist. After gaining his qualification in Psychological Medicine (Substance Misuse Psychiatry) in 2002, Dr Ghaly has worked in hospitals and as a specialist trainer recognised by the GMC.