GHB can be highly addictive. Stopping its use can result in intense and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms, lasting as long as two weeks. GHB withdrawal is best carried out under medical supervision – read on to learn how you can achieve this.
What to Expect During Withdrawal From GHB
GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid), also known as liquid ecstasy, is a potent and dangerous drug that slows down the brain and body. Even small amounts can cause unconsciousness. Using GHB for fun can rapidly lead to the development of addiction, and discontinuing use can be extremely challenging.
When someone uses GHB regularly, their body gets used to it quickly. This means that they need more of the drug to feel its effects (tolerance). Tolerance speeds up the formation of physical dependence. When someone who is dependent on GHB takes less of the drug or stops using it, they can experience intense and dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
GHB withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening, so the safest way to deal with them is at an inpatient rehab center. Medical professionals can safely manage the withdrawal process and help initiate the recovery journey.
Withdrawal from GHB normally begins within a few hours after the last dose. Early symptoms can include anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and increased heart rate. These initial symptoms can escalate quickly.
Medical interventions during GHB withdrawal can include medications to ease symptoms and manage any complications. These might be sedatives to help with sleep and anxiety, or other medications to address specific symptoms like nausea or high blood pressure.
Supportive care is also a core component of the withdrawal process. This includes ensuring proper hydration and nutrition, providing a calm and safe environment, and offering emotional and psychological support.
After the initial withdrawal phase, transitioning to a rehabilitation program is usually beneficial. Ongoing treatment can provide further therapy, counseling, and support to address the underlying issues of GHB addiction and promote long-term recovery.
GHB Withdrawal Timeline
Most people will see their GHB withdrawal symptoms start to improve after 2 to 3 days. That said, those who have used GHB in high doses for a long period might face a condition called PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome). This means that they could experience symptoms from all stages of withdrawal.
In the second stage of GHB withdrawal, hallucinations and changes in mental and emotional state may occur. On day 4 or 5 of detox, changes in thinking and sleep patterns can manifest. These symptoms are similar to those of delirium tremens (severe alcohol withdrawal), including seizures and psychosis.
Withdrawal can make insomnia worse, especially if someone was using GHB heavily. After this stage, cravings, mood swings, tiredness, and anxiety might continue for a few more days.
Mild GHB withdrawal usually lasts for less than 5 days, but severe cases can persist for up to 2 weeks.
In rare cases, long-term health problems from GHB abuse have been reported. These might include:
- Nerve damage in hands or fingers, leading to shaking, numbness, or a tingling sensation.
- Ongoing issues with thinking clearly or remembering things.
- Emotional changes, such as developing mood disorders like depression or anxiety.
- Occasional cravings, often triggered by stress from work, family, or life changes.
- About 7% of people withdrawing from GHB, particularly those who used it as a dietary supplement, might develop rhabdomyolysis. This condition starts with the breakdown of muscles, releasing harmful substances into the blood. These toxins can harm the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure. In extreme cases, rhabdomyolysis can be fatal. More commonly, it results in physical weakness due to muscle loss.
GHB Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms of GHB present when someone who has been using the drug regularly discontinues use. Since GHB is processed quickly by the body, missing even a single dose can lead to withdrawal in just a few hours. Early signs of GHB withdrawal include sweating, panic attacks, a fast heartbeat, and high blood pressure.
Common withdrawal symptoms from GHB are:
- Feeling anxious
- Trouble sleeping
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Shaking
- Hallucinations
- Severe confusion
- Delirium
- Psychosis
- Changes in mood
- Aggressive behaviors
These symptoms can be so distressing that someone might start using GHB again just to avoid them. This is risky because stopping and then starting again can lower tolerance to GHB, increasing the chance of an overdose.
GHB Withdrawal Treatment
Treatment for GHB withdrawal should always occur under medical supervision. This is because withdrawal symptoms can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Medical professionals can monitor vital signs and provide medications to manage symptoms safely.
The detoxification process involves the gradual reduction of GHB in the body. This must be done carefully to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. Detox facilities are equipped to handle this tapering process, providing a safe and controlled environment.
Medications may be used to ease withdrawal symptoms and manage any associated complications. These medications can help alleviate symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and agitation, making the withdrawal process more manageable.
Psychological support like counseling and therapy can help address the underlying issues of substance abuse and prepare people for long-term recovery from GHB abuse. This support can also include strategies for coping with cravings and avoiding relapse.
Proper nutrition and hydration are essential during the detox process. GHB withdrawal can lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies, so ensuring a balanced diet and adequate fluid intake streamlines the process.
After the initial withdrawal phase, developing an aftercare plan is instrumental to long-term recovery. This plan may include ongoing therapy, support groups, and possibly continued medication management. The goal is to provide a sustainable path for recovery and prevent relapse.
Involving family members in the treatment and recovery process can be beneficial. Family therapy or education sessions can help loved ones understand the challenges of GHB withdrawal and recovery, and how they can offer support.
Get Treatment for GHB Addiction at Ohio Recovery
If you require help addressing withdrawal GHB, we treat all types of addictions at Ohio Recovery Centers. Supervised detoxification reduces the intensity of GHB withdrawal and prepares you for ongoing outpatient treatment.
Outpatient programs at our rehab center in Cincinnati, Ohio, are designed to enable you to fulfill your everyday commitments while engaging in evidence-based addiction treatment. Access talk therapies, motivational therapies, counseling, and holistic interventions as you unpack the psychological component of GHB addiction.
When you are ready to move beyond club drug addiction, call 877-679-2132.
