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GHB Rehab

Finding out about GHB can help you work out whether a the importance of choosing GHB rehab treatment. Gamma hydroxybutyrate, or GHB, is a sedative anaesthetic, which produces the same effects as GBL (gamma butyrolactone) and 1,4-BD (1,4-butanediol), two common variants on the drug. GHB is usually sold as in the form of an odourless, oily liquid which has a salty taste. It also has legitimate legal uses as a cleaning fluid or paint stripper. The drug can cause potentially fatal respiratory depression, so drug rehab should be a serious consideration for anybody struggling to get clean.

GHB is always swallowed when taken as a drug. The liquid form is by far the most common, but it can also be bought as a powder. Users often mix the liquid with soft drinks or water to make it more palatable. Substances like GBL and 1,4-BD are converted to GHB within the body, and are taken in the same way. The fact that the drug is odourless, virtually tasteless and has sedative properties means that is sometimes used as a “date-rape” drug.

The effects of GHB are akin to those of MDMA. Users experience a rush of euphoria, an increase in libido, lowered inhibitions and increased confidence. Technically, the drug is an anaesthetic, but not one which kills pain. It is a sedative, which means that users will often also feel an over-riding tranquillity when taking it. At higher doses than those typically used for recreation, the drug can also be used as a sleep aid.

There are a variety of risks associated with GHB use, and an overdose could lead to fatality. The most common symptoms of an overdose are stiffening of the muscles, seizures, nausea, vomiting, disorientation and convulsions. The sedative properties of the drug are responsible for the most serious possible side effects, which include coma and potentially fatal respiratory collapse. These risks are compounded if the drug is combined with other depressant drugs or alcohol. For this reason, drug rehab centres have to be careful which medicines they use to treat GHB addiction.

Doses of GHB are extremely precise, which makes overdose a much more likely event. The difference between a normal dose and an overdose is usually measured in millimetres, so a tiny mistake can have serious consequences. An additional problem is that different batches of GHB can have wildly different strengths. This means that the same dosage could be relatively safe for one bottle and very dangerous for another.

Although research into whether or not GHB is addictive is still in its infancy, the initial conclusion is that it can be in some cases. Dependence on the substance is rare, but it can produce serious withdrawal symptoms such as psychosis, insomnia, severe anxiety and delirium. The process of withdrawal has to be considered when choosing a drug rehab program. Alongside psychological counselling, drug rehab centres will often treat GHB addiction with benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications also used for alcohol withdrawal).

The potential extreme side effects of GHB mean that you or your loved one should consider drug rehab if you’re struggling to get clean. With a combination of counselling and management of withdrawal symptoms, you can overcome addiction and get back to a healthy life. We provide free advice on the different drug rehab facilities available, and can explain the options to you if you’re having trouble reaching a decision. Each drug rehab centre has different specialties, and we point you in the right direction for care. There is no charge for this service, so there is no harm in picking up the phone and seeing what we can offer you. Our staff has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the various facilities, and help people just like you find the right care every day.

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