GHB Addiction
GHB is gamma hydroxybutyric acid. GHB is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain which has seen abuse as a psychoactive drug.
What We treat
GHB Addiction
GHB is gamma hydroxybutyric acid. GHB is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain which has seen 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 due to its function as a nervous system depressant. GHB produces a calming, relaxing effect as it is a depressant. At higher dosages, it can impair memory by causing blackouts and lead to loss of consciousness. On the smaller dosing side, it can actually behave more as a stimulant—similar to alcohol. Feelings of euphoria and increased interest in socializing have seen to the popularity of GHB as a club drug. This has lead to a rise in GHB Addiction.
GHB Abuse Potential
GHB can become a drug of abuse because it follows the same pattern of addiction that many other drugs do. When taking GHB on a consistent basis, the user will inevitably build up a tolerance to the drug. Some slowly, some quickly, but nonetheless 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 that alcohol and cocaine can be found, the abuse potential furthers as many people erroneously believe GHB addiction is unlikely as other drugs or is somehow less “dangerous”. All drugs are dangerous when used recreationally or leisurely as the potential for addiction is there.
Signs and Symptoms of GHB Abuse / GHB Addiction
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
Are the main effects of GHB consumption. Due to the effects of this drug, the abuse potential is quite high in young people who use it as a party drug in place of drugs such as ecstasy. Because of the range of symptoms, GHB abuse is difficult to spot concisely. However, as with most drugs that involve neurotransmitter manipulation, usage is skewed towards dependence and moderation is difficult or nigh impossible for others with predispositions towards addiction both known and unknown.
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
Symptoms may vary based on how long a person has been using GHB on a consistent basis as the disruption to the neurotransmitters in the brain can leave drastic side effects in a sober state when it comes to the mental and emotional repercussions of GHB usage.
Dangers of Mixing GHB with Alcohol
As a drug that is often used in party scenes or party environments, the danger that it will be mixed with alcohol as well is incredibly high. Taking any illicit substances is never recommended but mixing them is magnifying the danger each substance poses. While not illegal, alcohol demands a lot of the body’s resources all the same. Combining GHB and alcohol can lead to death as both substances are nervous system depressants.
Sluggishness, nausea, vomiting are just the 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.
Treatment for GHB Addiction
While certainly not a common drug in the United States as much as it is in Europe, GHB addiction can and DOES happen and many facilities do not recognize as such. However, we understand that regardless of what your addiction is, addiction is addiction. Many of the same mental conditions, physical conditions, and life circumstances drive people toward their choice of poison.
Call Southeast Addiction today at (770)-629-0258 to make the first step in receiving help for a GHB addiction or other drugs and substances which are impacting the quality of your life.
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