What happens during withdrawal from GHB?
First synthesized in 1960, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) was created as an alternative to help induce sleep. In the late 1980s, it was being sold and marketed as an over-the-counter sedative and a growth hormone stimulator to help bodybuilders promote muscle mass and maintain weight. In 1991, the drug was banned by the FDA after several reported incidents of dangerous adverse reactions occurred. GHB is a central nervous system depressant that slows down the messages between the brain and the body. Because it is a depressant substance, there is potential for dependence and experiencing withdrawal from GHB.
The prescription medication goes by the brand name Xyrem® and street names such as Easy Lay, G, Fantasy, Juice, GHB, Goop and Liquid Ecstasy. GHB is produced naturally in the central nervous system in very small amounts. When taken in large amounts, it can produce feelings of euphoria drowsiness, temporary decreased anxiety, and memory impairment. However, it is often abused for the very same euphoric and calming effects. In other cases, it is abused by those who use it to help build muscle mass and produce weight loss effects.
What is GHB?
GHB is a colorless, odorless substance that can taste bitter or salty and is mainly sold in liquid form in small bottles or vials. In March of 2000, the drug was classified as a Schedule I Controlled Substance with a high potential for addiction and currently no medical acceptance in the United States. However, when it is sold as the FDA-approved product Xyrem®, it is considered a Schedule III Controlled Substance. In its prescription form, the drug is It is used to treat daytime sleepiness and muscle weakness due to narcolepsy. Those who suffer from cataplexy, which is the sudden loss of muscle tone associated with narcolepsy, are often prescribed this medication.
In the 1980s, GHB began marketing as a health food supplement. Bodybuilders use the drug to help reduce fat and build muscle. Some users also believe it could stimulate growth hormones to become bigger. During the 1990s, it gained popularity as a club drug among young people and was used for its euphoric and sedative effects. It was infamously known as a date rape drug in which people were discretely slipping it into others drinking and being sexually assaulted. However, after numerous reported incidents of overdoses, the government decided to put the drug on the Controlled Substances list.
When GHB is mixed with other drugs, it can also lead to dangerous and unpredictable side effects. When mixed with methamphetamines or MDMA, users are at risk of heart strain and respiratory arrest. When mixed with opioids or benzodiazepines, users are at risk of having difficulty breathing and passing out. When mixed with alcohol, GHB enhances the sedative effects of alcohol and puts the user at risk for coma.
GHB is a colorless, odorless substance that can taste bitter or salty and is mainly sold in liquid form in small bottles or vials. In March of 2000, the drug was classified as a Schedule I Controlled Substance with a high potential for addiction and currently no medical acceptance in the United States. However, when it is sold as the FDA-approved product Xyrem®, it is considered a Schedule III Controlled Substance. In its prescription form, the drug is It is used to treat daytime sleepiness and muscle weakness due to narcolepsy. Those who suffer from cataplexy, which is the sudden loss of muscle tone associated with narcolepsy, are often prescribed this medication.
In the 1980s, GHB began marketing as a health food supplement. Bodybuilders use the drug to help reduce fat and build muscle. Some users also believe it could stimulate growth hormones to become bigger. During the 1990s, it gained popularity as a club drug among young people and was used for its euphoric and sedative effects. It was infamously known as a date rape drug in which people were discretely slipping it into others drinking and being sexually assaulted. However, after numerous reported incidents of overdoses, the government decided to put the drug on the Controlled Substances list.
When GHB is mixed with other drugs, it can also lead to dangerous and unpredictable side effects. When mixed with methamphetamines or MDMA, users are at risk of heart strain and respiratory arrest. When mixed with opioids or benzodiazepines, users are at risk of having difficulty breathing and passing out. When mixed with alcohol, GHB enhances the sedative effects of alcohol and puts the user at risk for coma.
What are the side effects of GHB misuse?
GHB works by impacting the GABA-B receptors in the body. GABA neurotransmitters are usually found in the hippocampus, cortex and amygdala area of the brain. Low doses of the drug can produce effects such as nausea, while higher doses can produce effects like unconsciousness, seizures, slowed heart rate and lowered body temperature. Lower doses can also make people feel more relaxed, more social, less inhibited and lightheaded. Higher doses intensify the sedative effects in your body.
The onset of effects of GHB can occur fairly quickly, within 15-20 minutes of taking the drug. It can last between 3-6 hours. The effects of GHB are very similar to the effects of alcohol. Common side effects of GHB misuse include feelings of euphoria, lowered inhibitions, drowsiness, tremors, nausea and diarrhea. Long-term side effects include severe memory problems, heart disease, hallucinations, extreme anxiety and difficulty breathing.
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Symptoms of withdrawal from GHB
Substance withdrawal occurs when a person suddenly stops taking a drug after a long period of use, or when you suddenly stop taking a drug after high doses of use. Withdrawal from GHB can be dangerous and unpredictable. Because it is quickly metabolized in the body, withdrawal from GHB can start between 6-72 hours after the last dose of the drug and can continue on from 5-15 days after.
Symptoms of Withdrawal
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Anxiety and panic
- Rapid heart rate
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations and delirium with increased sensitivity to touch and sound
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrest
- Insomnia
- Increased blood pressure
- Occasional psychotic thoughts and behaviors
- Liver damage
- Kidney failure
- Respiratory depression
- Lack of appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
On average, general withdrawal symptoms will gradually resolve in about 1-2 weeks. For those who are new to using GHB, withdrawal can even last as little as a few days. For those who have taken the drug for a while, withdrawal can go on through several stages. Some users even progress to severe stages of drug withdrawal.
Within 24 hours to 5 days after the last dose of GHB, the withdrawal process can evolve into a psychotic state. Users will experience hallucinations and confusion and even become violent losing touch with reality. This psychotic state during withdrawal is very similar to delirium tremens, which can be experienced during alcohol withdrawal. GHB is a potent sedative substance and in order to avoid uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal symptoms, going off the drug through a taper method is the best option.
Who is using GHB?
Who is the typical GHB user? People who would typically use the drug are those who are trying to lose weight, those who are taking it as a muscle-building supplement, those who are taking it as an anti-aging compound, young people who go to raves and parties, those who are drawn to depressant substances like alcohol and benzos, those who suffer from chronic pain, and those whose suffer from co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
GHB become very popular among young people, who take it to feel happy, relaxed, relief from depression and anxiety as well as to experience a different state of mind. It is cheap and easily accessible with no after effects such as a hangover. These factors make it more appealing to the younger crowd. Another population at risk for higher use of GHB is members of the LGBTQ community. In a survey by researchers at NYU and Rutgers University, studies found that both gays and lesbians at EDM parties were also at a higher risk for taking GHB compared to their straight counterparts.
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GHB is a potent and highly habit-forming substance. The chemical composition of the drug can vary and it can also be easy to take too much. With GHB, there is only a slight difference in dose that can produce desired effects versus effects that can put you at risk for dangerous health complications. Behavioral health treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea provide treatment for addiction to central nervous system depressants like GHB.
We offer all levels of care including detox, residential and outpatient programming. We utilize evidence-based treatment methods that include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and family therapy. Hotel California by the Sea provides individualized treatment plans to help clients address every aspect of their addiction. The use of GHB can lead to tolerance, dependence and addiction. We understand the complexities of addiction and are dedicated to helping our clients overcome their dependence on sedative drugs like GHB.
References:
https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/ghb
https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/ghb-gamma-hydroxybutyric-acid
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/ghb
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6732809
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/1201/p2478.html