GHB Addiction Treatment in Atlanta, Georgia
GHB is gamma-hydroxybutyric acid. GHB is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain that has seen substance abuse as a psychoactive drug. Its intended medical use is as a general anesthetic. It has been implicated in use for certain sleep disorders such as narcolepsy or sometimes insomnia. On the recreational side, GHB is used for the psychoactive high it provides, and criminally it is sometimes used as a date rape drug or sexual assault due to its function as a central nervous system depressant.
Both of these uses have led to the need for a GHB addiction treatment center in Atlanta, GA. GHB produces a calming, relaxing effect as it is a depressant. Higher dosages can impair memory by causing blackouts and leading to loss of consciousness. On the smaller dosing side, it can behave more as a stimulant—similar to alcohol. Feelings of euphoria and increased interest in socializing have seen the popularity of GHB as a club drug. This has led to a rise in GHB Addiction.
The Importance of Getting Help for GHB Addiction
GHB can become a drug of abuse because it follows the same pattern of addiction that many other drugs do. When taking GHB consistently, the user will inevitably build up a tolerance to the drug. Some slowly, some quickly, but tolerance is built. As with most drugs that have an upper threshold before overdose is achieved, users will begin to climb towards that threshold in pursuit of the effects of the drug.
Because GHB is typically done in similar environments where alcohol and cocaine can be found, the abuse potential is further. Many people erroneously believe GHB addiction is as unlikely as other drugs or is somehow less “dangerous.” All drugs are dangerous when used recreationally or leisurely, as the potential for addiction exists.
Stats about GHB in Georgia
In 2020, two women were arrested during a routine traffic stop in Georgia. GHB is commonly used as a date rape drug. The women had about 4,000 doses of the drug with the intent to sell and distribute it.
Two students were hospitalized in 2019 at an Atlanta metro area high school for GHB overdoses. They were experiencing nausea, loss of muscle control, and difficulty breathing before being taken to the hospital.
Georgia classifies GHB as a Schedule I drug. Schedule I means the drug has no medical purposes and is highly addictive, with the potential to develop a substance use disorder.
Naxolone is a medication used to reverse the effects of GHB overdose. Individuals can receive it from pharmacies around the state.
Signs and Symptoms of GHB Abuse and Addiction
Below are the main effects of GHB consumption. Due to the impact of this drug, the abuse potential is relatively high in young people who use it as a party drug and at raves instead of drugs such as ecstasy.
Because of the range of symptoms, GHB abuse is challenging to spot concisely. However, as with most drugs that involve neurotransmitter manipulation, usage is skewed towards dependence, and moderation is difficult for others with predispositions towards addiction, both known and unknown.
GHB abuse symptoms vary in range and may not be experienced by everyone equally.
- Dizziness
- Loss of motor control
- Impulsive behavior
- Increased sex drive
- Incoherent or slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Memory loss
- Decreased inhibitions
Withdrawal Symptoms of GHB Use / GHB Addiction
Withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity depending on how far physical dependence has come along. GHB withdrawal symptoms may present itself as:
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Nausea/vomiting
- High blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Delirium
- Tremors
- Hallucinations
- Sweating
- Cravings
Symptoms may vary based on how long a person has been using GHB consistently, as the disruption to the neurotransmitters in the brain can leave drastic side effects in a sober state regarding the mental health and emotional repercussions of GHB usage.
Why Choose Southeast Addicton Center for GHB Addiction Treatment?
Our individualized therapy focuses on each client’s specific needs. Our goal is to discover the particular concerns of each of our clients. Working with a therapist, our clients create an individualized plan to meet the needs of each individual. In collaboration, we form a plan of action beyond a standard model with long-term recovery as the end goal.
The experience of our GHB addiction treatment center is unlike many of the facilities in the Atlanta metro area. We pride ourselves on offering care that feels like home during detox. Our facility provides a stable living space with accommodating amenities for our client’s comfort.
Enjoy amenities like luxury, vinyl plank flooring, catered meals prepared onsite, and onsite drinks and snacks. Other amenities include a serene environment and upscale design to enhance your comfort further.
Our team of medical professionals includes nurses, therapists, and group facilitators. They are trained to give medical advice and guide our clients through sharing their thoughts and feelings, aligning treatment plans that promote mental wellness, and learning how to manage emotions.
Our Services for GHB Addiction Treatment
Holistic therapy is an alternative treatment service that focuses on the whole person, not just specific addiction-related symptoms. Our therapists consider our clients’ physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, allowing them to achieve balance and develop coping skills. We use several holistic therapy services, including yoga, massage, meditation, outdoor activities, chiropractic care, nutrition, fitness, and art.
Group therapy is another valuable treatment service that CBT and DBT work with. Your therapist leads this session in a safe and structured environment. This setting provides a sense of connection and support. No one speaks over or interrupts each other in the group.
In these support groups, you can learn from the experience of others and adopt new coping strategies. The group can introduce fresh perspectives. Forming bonds can make you feel less alone and more supported. You can hold each other accountable to stay motivated while navigating recovery.
Our family program provides understanding, support, and education for family members. It strengthens relationships by addressing the impact of addiction on family dynamics. These sessions are conducted at our treatment facility.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) helps our clients process and overcome traumatic experiences. EMDR is based on the idea that unresolved traumatic memories are stored in the brain because individuals can experience distress and symptoms years after the event.
EMDR involves a structured approach that includes identifying a target memory. Using eye movements, sounds, or taps, your therapist will activate the brain’s natural healing processes. From there, the brain reprocesses the memory with a more adaptive resolution.
Individual therapy focuses on each person’s unique needs. This therapeutic approach recognizes specific concerns, and therapists develop specialized goals for each individual. You work collaboratively with a therapist to create a plan that goes beyond the one-size-fits-all model, leading to greater self-awareness for our clients.
Our Programs for GHB Addiction Treatment
Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offers structured care during the day, allowing you to return home at night. It provides intensive treatment tailored to GHB addiction, including medication management and counseling. PHP closely watches symptoms, establishes routines, and builds a supportive community. Research shows that PHP significantly improves symptom management and overall quality of life for individuals with GHB addiction.
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a flexible treatment option without an inpatient stay. You get to maintain your daily routines while still addressing your bipolar. IOP aims to stabilize mood swings, manage symptoms, and improve functioning.
Our Outpatient Treatment Program (OP) is the ideal next step for those who have successfully navigated our IOP. Our outpatient program encompasses individual and group therapy with highly flexible times available. The purpose of outpatient programs is to provide some residual structure from our more intensive programs for clients who have learned the basic skills and habits that create the foundation of a healthy and sustained recovery.
Dangers of Mixing GHB with Alcohol
As a drug that is often used in party scenes or party environments by young adults, the danger that it will be mixed with alcohol as well is incredibly high. Taking any illicit substances is never recommended and can be life-threatening. Mixing them magnifies each substance’s danger. While not illegal, alcohol demands a lot of the body’s resources. Combining GHB and alcohol can lead to death as both substances are nervous system depressants.
Sluggishness, nausea, and vomiting are mild signs of taking alcohol with GHB. More dangerous signs are slowing down respiration to the point of hypoxia or asphyxiation or other fatal causes related to the forceful suppression of nervous system activities.
Get Help Now with GHB Addiction
While indeed not a common drug in the United States as much as in Europe, GHB addiction can and does happen, and many facilities do not recognize it. However, we understand that regardless of your addiction, addiction is addiction. Many of the same mental, physical, and life circumstances drive people toward their choice of poison.
Call Southeast Addiction today at 88-981-8263. Take the first step in receiving help for a GHB addiction or other drugs and substances impacting the quality of your life or a loved one. Our treatment providers are standing by to take your call.
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