GHB Addiction

Gamma Hydroxybutyrate or GHB affects the central nervous system (CNS) as a depressant. GHB is commonly referred to as a “club drug” or “date rape” drug. The drug has been known to be used by young adults at bars, parties, clubs, raves and is often knowingly or unknowingly placed in alcoholic beverages. Adverse side effects may include sweating, nausea, loss of consciousness, hallucinations, amnesia, and coma, among other side effects.

GHB is also a naturally occurring metabolite of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) found in the brain. The naturally occurring form found in your brain is at a much lower concentration than when the drug is used.

Usually made in small quantities in private homes rather than in illicit drug labs, GHB is a transparent liquid with no odor that tastes salty. As it is transparent and has no odor, GHB has been linked to drink spiking and sexual assault.

Slang Terms for GHB

GHB may also be known as:

  • CIRCLES
  • DATE RAPE DRUG
  • G
  • GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM
  • JUICE
  • LIQUID E OR LIQUID X
  • MIND ERASER
  • SCOOP
  • TRIP-AND-FALL
  • WOLFIES

Dangers of GHB Use

Health hazards due to GHB use:

  • AUDITORY AND VISUAL HALLUCINATIONS
  • AMNESIA
  • ANXIETY
  • CONFUSION
  • CLUMSINESS
  • EXHAUSTION
  • HEADACHES
  • INSOMNIA
  • LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS
  • NAUSEA
  • SLUGGISHNESS
  • SWEATING
  • TREMORS
  • RESPIRATORY DISTRESS
  • VOMITING

GHB Withdrawal

GHB is addictive, and withdrawal can be severe and incapacitating.

Patients experiencing GHB withdrawal require close medical supervision. Medical detox is only the first step in overcoming addiction and does not guarantee long-term sobriety. In many cases, individuals fail to remain sober following detox without additional medical care from trained professionals and effective clinical treatment for substance addictions. When a person’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being are addressed, then recovery is possible.

An individual needs to remain in a comprehensive addiction treatment program long enough to form healthy habits, allow new brain connections to form, and learn techniques to improve one’s quality of life.