GHB is highly addictive and GHB withdrawal causes severe symptoms that can last for weeks. Withdrawal from this drug is a medical emergency that requires supervised detox.
Read on to learn about the withdrawal symptoms of GHB and discover how to connect with effective addiction treatment.
Signs of GHB Withdrawal
When someone stops using the drug, GHB withdrawal symptoms can start within hours because the drug leaves the body quickly. The first withdrawal signs include anxiety attacks, a rapid pulse, high blood pressure, and sweating.
For people who haven’t used GHB for long, these symptoms will improve after a few days. However, if someone has been using high doses of GHB for a long time, they may go through different stages of withdrawal. Mild withdrawal usually lasts 3 to 5 days. Severe withdrawal can last 2 weeks.
GHB Withdrawal Symptoms
Quitting GHB suddenly after long-term use can cause physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms are most severe in those who use the drug frequently or in high doses for a long time.
Withdrawal symptoms of GHB can include:
- When your body gets used to GHB, stopping suddenly can make you feel anxious and agitated.
- People who often use GHB experience its calming effects, so they might have trouble sleeping when they stop.
- Withdrawal from GHB can cause tremors, shaking, and even seizures as your body adjusts.
- Your digestive system can also be affected, leading to nausea and vomiting.
- Since GHB slows down the central nervous system, stopping it can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to go up.
- In severe cases, people may experience hallucinations and delirium as their brains struggle without the drug.
- Confusion and disorientation can also happen during GHB withdrawal.
- Muscle cramps and joint pain are common, making it hard to move around comfortably.
The severity of these symptoms can be different for each person. Some might have mild symptoms, while others could face severe and long-lasting withdrawal. It’s always best to get medical advice if you or someone you know is going through GHB withdrawal.
Besides physical symptoms, GHB withdrawal can also cause psychological effects like depression, irritability, and mood swings. These can be tough to handle and might need support from a counselor or therapist.
GHB Withdrawal Treatment
Withdrawal from GHB needs medical detox in a professional treatment facility.
GHB has relaxing and intoxicating effects similar to alcohol and benzodiazepines, which are widely abused and addictive substances. Since GHB acts on the same brain receptors as alcohol and benzodiazepines, it causes similar withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal can be complex, leading to post-acute withdrawal syndrome, and cause life-threatening symptoms.
Many detox facilities use small doses of benzos, especially long-acting Valium, to ease initial symptoms. Avoiding prolonged withdrawal and helping the body adjust can improve mood and physical well-being, reducing the risk of early relapse.
Other treatment protocols for GHB withdrawal include barbiturates, anticonvulsant medications, or antipsychotic medications. These can help with symptoms like sleeplessness, seizures, and hallucinations. Reducing psychological and physical distress is important for safe detox and entering a rehab program.
Medications are most effective when combined with behavioral therapy. Both inpatient and outpatient programs focus on changing thoughts and behaviors around drug use, further reducing the risk of relapse, overdose, and addiction.
GHB Withdrawal FAQs
How soon do GHB withdrawal symptoms appear?
GHB withdrawal symptoms may appear four hours after the last dose. These symptoms can include anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and sweating.
How long does GHB withdrawal last?
GHB withdrawal can last for several days to weeks, with symptoms peaking within the first few days and gradually improving over time. Seek medical help to manage withdrawal safely and reduce the risk of complications.
What are the dangers of GHB withdrawal?
The dangers of GHB withdrawal include hallucinations, seizures, potentially life-threatening delirium, and respiratory depression. Seek professional medical assistance during withdrawal to ensure safety and receive appropriate care.
Get Treatment for GHB Withdrawal at Gratitude Lodge
If you or a loved one is fighting addiction, we offer many treatment programs at Gratitude Lodge in California.
Begin your recovery from GHB abuse with medical detox at one of our rehabs in Long Beach or Newport Beach. You’ll be ready for ongoing inpatient treatment at one of our beachside centers after about one week.
All GHB addictions are different, so all our treatment programs offer tailored therapies. These include:
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Talk therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- One-on-one counseling
- Holistic therapy
- Aftercare
Take action against GHB addiction by calling our recovery experts at 844-576-0144.
