Is GHB an Addictive Drug?

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, or GHB, is a drug that has several affects on its addicts. It causes a feeling of euphoria that attracts club-goers. Other users are drawn by GHB's sedative qualities. It also has a body builder following as an anabolic drug (by chemically enhancing muscles and reducing fat). Like any other illicit drug, GHB comes at a cost to its users. The ingested, snorted or injected forms of the drug quickly build a tolerance in the body, requiring increasingly higher dosages to achieve the high. This is the beginning of GHB addiction. Fortunately, treatment programs are available to help ease the transition to sobriety.

Signs You Are Addicted to GHB

There are a few things to look for when gauging your relationship to the drug GHB. The most prominent sign of GHB addiction is the need for larger amounts of the drug at more frequent intervals. Your normal dosage is just not enough to achieve the high. Addicts are also known to have trouble sleeping, insomnia and headaches. Their personalities change, making the addict irritable, depressed and preoccupied with getting high. These are the signs of an addicted GHB user who must seek treatment to kick the habit. Doing so without a GHB addiction treatment program is not an option because of the drug's withdrawal effects on the body.

GHB Withdrawals

The symptoms of GHB withdrawals begin in as little as an hour after the last use. They can last from five to 15 days, depending on the amount of GHB used and the frequency of use. Addicts going through GHB withdrawals have reported increases in heart rate and blood pressure, hallucinations, nausea, sweating, agitation and even psychotic episodes. The withdrawal symptoms that GHB addicts experience are more severe than many drugs. But these symptoms can be overcome with treatment.

GHB Treatment Programs

GHB addicts should not attempt recovery alone. Professional treatment ensures that the addict stays in recovery longer. It is also a way to monitor the withdrawal symptoms while the GHB leaves the body. GHB addiction treatment begins with medically monitored detoxification, where the recovery professionals and doctors treat the symptoms of withdrawal safely. Sometimes, drug therapy is needed to combat more severe symptoms like psychosis. The medical portion of treatment lasts between seven and 14 days. Then, the GHB addict enters a rehabilitative program to receive psychiatric treatment, addiction therapy and supportive group therapy. Together, these tools make up the treatment programs used to help you kick the GHB habit.

Help for GHB Addicts

Every long-term GHB addict must begin in a medical therapy to treat the physical withdrawal symptoms. The rest of the treatment program is tailored to the needs of the individual. For example, some need more personal counseling, while a program of group therapy sessions helps another addict. Defining your treatment program is the best way to recovery.

References:

Club Drugs, National Institutes on Drug Abuse.

GHB, Brown University Health Education, Brown University.

GHB, Drug Information. Narcanon.

GHB: A Club Drug to Watch, Substance Abuse Advisery, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration.