GHB Addiction and Rehab

There are more people in the U.S. that have died from GHB overdose or addiction, than have died from Ecstasy.

Origins

GHB was originally created in France during the 1920s, but was rejected by the medical community in the 1960s. In 1980s the drug made a comeback as an acceptable alte
ative to steroids used by athletes, but by the late 1990s it was banned once again in the U.S. However, in 2002, the Food and Drug Administration approved a type of the drug to be used in the treatment of certain sleep disorders such as narcolepsy.

Today, it has earned the sorted reputation of being a predatory and date rape drug. Due to the fact that standard drug tests (such as urine tests and certain blood tests) do not have the ability to test for GHB, it is undetectable by drug testing.

What is GHB?

GHB or Gamma Hydroxybutyrate is a central nervous system depressant and is known by other street names such as Fantasy, Liquid G, Liquid X, Liquid Fantasy, Liquid Ecstasy, Juice and Heaven, among other names. The drug is popular among teens and college students as well as known as a club drug and can be found at rave parties. Although it is called Liquid Ecstasy and Liquid X – which is a completely different drug from Ecstasy which is MDMA.

GHB is a clear liquid that is sometimes taken in water, but because of its salty taste, it is commonly mixed in fruity or very sweet mixtures to mask the taste. Individuals that use the drug are at risk for drug abuse and addiction.

The Effects of GHB

The effects of GHB are similar to the effects of alcohol and Ecstasy. Individuals that abuse the drug have described an intoxicating and sense of euphoria that increases sensuality and prohibits inhibition. The effects can last up to three hours.

When taken excessively, users may experience certain side effects including:
• Nausea and vomiting
• Agitation and irritability
• Drowsiness and dizziness
• Decreased heart rate
• Breathing problems
• Memory loss
• Loss of consciousness
• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Coma and death

Taking the drug with alcohol can be fatal and overdose can occur within fifteen minutes of taking it.

Addiction and Withdrawal

There is a potential for addiction. An indication of drug addiction is a strong desire for more of the drug, especially in larger doses and more frequently. Tolerance can develop when the drug is taken excessively which means that you will need more of the drug with each use in order to achieve the same sense of intoxication and euphoria.
Withdrawal symptoms may begin as early as one hour after the last time the drug was used and can last up to fifteen days.

Signs of addiction and withdrawal are:
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate
• Extreme irritability and agitation
• Hallucinations and psychotic episodes
• Become obsessed with getting more of the drug.

Medical detox may be necessary for withdrawal from GHB, as well as enrollment in a rehab treatment program to help you rebuild your life.