GHB Withdrawal Symptoms + Timeline
GHB (gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid) is the name of both a naturally occurring brain chemical that calms the central nervous system and an artificially synthesized drug that mimics the effects of this chemical. Some people abuse this drug, leading to addiction and GHB withdrawal when they quit.
Detox ATL is here to help you find detox services when you quit using GHB. Reach out to our admissions page to stop your GHB addiction today.
GHB (gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid) is the name of both a naturally occurring brain chemical that calms the central nervous system and an artificially synthesized drug that mimics the effects of this chemical. Some people abuse this drug, leading to addiction and GHB withdrawal when they quit.
Detox ATL is here to help you find detox services when you quit using GHB. Reach out to our admissions page to stop your GHB addiction today.
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What is GHB?
GHB stands for gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that calms the central nervous system (CNS). However, this neurotransmitter can be synthesized as sodium oxybate and used as a drug. The term GHB also refers to the drug sodium oxybate.
Xyrem, a brand name of GHB, is a prescription drug that treats symptoms of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy. Xyrem reduces activity in the brain to prevent attacks of cataplexy—short-term periods of muscle weakness—in people with narcolepsy. It also helps to improve daytime sleepiness.
GHB, however, is often sold illegally and abused for its euphoric and calming effects. In addition, some people use GHB to build muscle or lose weight.
It is also abused as a date rape drug. Victims are unknowingly given GHB, typically at a bar or nightclub. GHB increases a victim’s vulnerability to sexual assault and often causes amnesia or blacking out of the events that occur while on the drug.
According to the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), GHB is also called the following street names: “Easy Lay, G, Georgia Home Boy, GHB, Goop, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, [and] Scoop.”
What is GHB?
GHB stands for gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that calms the central nervous system (CNS). However, this neurotransmitter can be synthesized as sodium oxybate and used as a drug. The term GHB also refers to the drug sodium oxybate.
Xyrem, a brand name of GHB, is a prescription drug that treats symptoms of a sleep disorder called narcolepsy. Xyrem reduces activity in the brain to prevent attacks of cataplexy—short-term periods of muscle weakness—in people with narcolepsy. It also helps to improve daytime sleepiness.
GHB, however, is often sold illegally and abused for its euphoric and calming effects. In addition, some people use GHB to build muscle or lose weight.
It is also abused as a date rape drug. Victims are unknowingly given GHB, typically at a bar or nightclub. GHB increases a victim’s vulnerability to sexual assault and often causes amnesia or blacking out of the events that occur while on the drug.
According to the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), GHB is also called the following street names: “Easy Lay, G, Georgia Home Boy, GHB, Goop, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, [and] Scoop.”
What is GHB Withdrawal?
GHB withdrawal is a period where your body adjusts to no longer having the drug in your system. Withdrawal symptoms begin soon after you stop taking the drug. Since GHB is a depressant, your symptoms will be similar to other depressant drugs, like alcohol and benzodiazepine.
GHB withdrawal occurs when a person with a dependence on GHB stops taking the drug. You can become dependent even if you take GHB as a prescription medication. This is because your body needs GHB to function normally and reduces symptoms of narcolepsy.
Physical dependency also occurs when a person abuses GHB recreationally. Since a person abusing GHB usually takes it in large quantities, they can quickly develop a dependence and an addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of GHB Withdrawal
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Profuse sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Hypertension
- Cravings
- Psychosis (hallucinations and delusions)
- Agitation
- Mood swings
- Delirium
- Mental confusion
- Seizures
It’s important to note that not everyone will have the same experience during withdrawal. The severity of symptoms you have, as well as the duration, will depend on factors unique to you and your addiction. These factors include how long you’ve used GHB, how much you use (dosage), your physical health, and the presence of underlying mental health disorders.
How Soon Can I Get Care?
GHB Withdrawal Timeline
It takes about two weeks for GHB withdrawal symptoms to go away. Most people experience withdrawal from GHB on the following timeline:
- First 6 hours: Withdrawal symptoms begin soon after you stop taking GHB—within a few hours. At first, your symptoms will be relatively mild. However, you could have symptoms like increased heart rate and panic attacks if you have a severe addiction.
- Three to five days: If you have a mild addiction to GHB, acute withdrawal symptoms will go away within a few days. However, for those with severe addiction, symptoms will continue longer.
- Up to 14 Days: You could have acute symptoms for up to 14 days, depending on how much GHB you take. Your symptoms could vary in intensity during this time. In other words, they can go up and down throughout the withdrawal period.
- After 14 Days: Some people experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). This means that symptoms linger for months after detox. Not everyone experiences PAWS, but it’s important to continue addiction treatment to deal with lingering symptoms and prevent a relapse.
Detox for GHB Withdrawal
Drug and alcohol detox centers can help you deal with GHB withdrawal. At Detox ATL, we connect you to experienced professionals and addiction specialists. They can help you with both the physical and mental symptoms of withdrawal.
In addition, professional detox centers hold you accountable for your desire to quit using GHB. They will monitor for any substance abuse as well as provide support when cravings are at their worst. In some cases, medications can help to lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Medications Used During GHB Withdrawal
Unlike alcohol and opioids, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically made for GHB addiction and withdrawal. During detox, however, you might be prescribed medications to manage withdrawal symptoms like agitation and insomnia. In addition, some medications help to ease discomfort and treat underlying mental health symptoms.
The following medications might be used during GHB withdrawal:
- Benzodiazepines: Medications like Valium and Ativan can help reduce anxiety, panic attacks, and agitation. They can also help with insomnia. However, since benzodiazepines (benzos) can be addictive, your dosage will be monitored closely.
- Barbiturates: Similar to benzos, barbiturates are a prescription depressant drug. They help to relieve anxiety and also treat sleep issues. Barbiturates can also prevent seizures for those at risk of severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Anticonvulsants: Also called antisezure medication, anticonvulsants treat and prevent seizures. Although seizures during withdrawal are rare, some people with a severe GHB addiction could have underlying conditions that increase their risk.
- Antipsychotics: In addition to seizures, psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, can occur during withdrawal from a severe GHB addiction. Antipsychotics help to reduce these symptoms.
- Blood pressure medications: Depressant drugs like GHB cause your blood pressure and heart rate to lower. As a result, your body might struggle to regulate your blood pressure on its own. Blood pressure medications can help as your body adjusts to no longer using GHB.
Find a Detox Program for GHB Withdrawal Today
GHB withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous if you try to quit on your own. At Detox ATL, we’ll help you find the detox services you need to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
Contact us today to find a detox program in Atlanta, Georgia.