GHB

You may have started taking GHB socially and realize that GHB offers euphoria while you still feel in control. You also begin to use this drug in combination with others increasing the sedative effect and possibly risking your life. GHB effects can be deadly because you use more looking for the initial euphoria but your body cannot handle the larger dosage. Get help today by calling Recovery connection at 866.812.8231. Don’t risk losing your life.

What is GHB?

ghb
GHB addiction can be life threatening

GHB is Gamma Hydroxybutyrate. In the 1960’s GHB was used for general anesthetic purposes. In the 1980’s it became more widely used as a body building agent and nutritional supplement. In the 1990’s it grew more popular among the club goers as a drug of choice to abuse.

In the year 2000, 60 deaths were the result of overdoses from GHB. The progression of GHB abuse has developed much like any other controlled substance, beginning with medical purposes and ending with substance abuse.

Different GHB Uses:

  • General Anesthetic – In France, Italy and other European countries GHB was used for sleep and childbirth, however after several decades of use it was no longer used due to its potential for abuse.
  • Body Building – Most commonly used in the 1980’s as an enhancing muscle agent for body builders. GHB has been shown to elevate the human growth hormone in vivo. This helps body builders acquire muscle mass.
  • Club Drug – GHB produces a feeling of physical closeness, euphoria and empathy which compliments the environment of the club scene. GHB in this context can become out-of-control quickly. Get help today by calling Recovery Connection at 866.812.8231. We can find you the best drug rehabs to eliminate GHB addiction.
  • Date Rape – Due to the sedative effects of GHB, some predators may slip the drug into drinks in order to lure prey into a vulnerable situation.

GHB effects can vary from use to use. Each time, your experience can be different. The amount which produces a wonderful sensation of ease can in effect create an overdose the next time. Within a short period of time, you can become addicted to GHB. When you combine GHB with other powerful drugs and alcohol it may lead to a greater risk of overdosing.

A small dose of GHB, usually a cap full, will produce feelings of intoxication, reduce your inhibitions, and increase your libido. The potency of GHB can vary from batch to batch. You may blindly use the same amount of GHB not know the strength of different batches. The inconsistency of the amount used and its strength has caused many addicts to overdose and die.

Symptoms and Signs of GHB Addiction

GHB will stay in your body for about 1.5-3 hours depending on the quantity and frequency of use. Consumption of GHB causes slowed breathing and decelerated heart rate. You may also use GHB to counteract stimulant withdrawal once you have stopped using. GHB also slows your body’s process of elimination of alcohol which helps the addict stay intoxicated longer. GHB has both long term and short term effects which include:

  • Short Term GHB Effects:
    1. Insomnia
    2. Euphoria
    3. Anxiety
    4. Loss of muscle control
    5. Sweating
  • Long Term GHB Effects:
    1. Difficulty thinking
    2. Hallucinations
    3. Slurred speech
    4. Headaches
    5. Amnesia

The long term effects of GHB addiction may damage your quality of life permanently. Every time you use GHB you make risks with your life. Effects of GHB dosages, although you may think it is planned, can be extremely unpredictable. Find out if you can gain the positive feelings you get from GHB naturally. Enter drug rehab today and learn how to have healthy self-esteem, be open with others and feel all around better about yourself.

GHB Addiction Treatment

GHB is a highly addictive substance of abuse. Tolerance to GHB builds quickly and you will increase the amount consumed to achieve euphoria. However, the more GHB you take, the more unwanted side effects are produced such as nausea, vomiting, sweating and involuntary muscle movements such as going to the bathroom on yourself.

If you want to stop using GHB, you must seek medical support at a drug detox or in drug rehab centers. A number of fatalities have occurred when an addict has tried to stop GHB abuse abruptly on their own. You need medical supervision throughout the withdrawal process.   GHB withdrawal symptoms are both psychological and physical and can be extremely taxing on the addict.

GHB withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Paranoia
  • Shaking
  • Muscle cramps
  • Perspiration
  • Delirium
  • Deep depression

Psychological symptoms will last longer than physical symptoms. It is suggested that you stay in addiction treatment after drug detox to address issues of sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression. Attending a drug rehab will help the addict adjust to the psychological symptoms without using GHB or other substances for relief. The additional support of a substance abuse rehab staff will help you adjust to life without GHB.

If you or a loved one is suffering from GHB abuse and/or addiction please call a Recovery Connection addiction specialist at 866.812.8231. Our specialists will be able to answer any questions that you may have regarding addiction treatment as many of them are in recovery.

Looking For Treatment?

If you or someone you know is suffering from GHB addiction, Recovery Connection’s free and confidential helpline is always open to answer your questions. Call us at 866.812.8231.

24/7 all conversations are confidential.

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