Getting addicted to this substance means going to detox and rehab to stop using it. But most people have no idea about the risks of using it, and they do so regularly.
Many people refer to GHB as simply, “G.” It is a central nervous system depressant that is most commonly found at parties, raves and nightclubs. This drug is so popular because it produces a unique sense of euphoria. It is not uncommon for people to experience an increase in their sex drives when using it. For that reason, it is often used as a date rape drug.
The risk of becoming a victim of date rape is only one of the dangers of GHB. People who use it need to know as much as possible about the effects this drug can have on them both mentally and physically. We want to provide that information as well as let people know how they can get quality treatment to help them recover.
Street names are a way to refer to a substance without actually using the proper name of the drug. This can help mask illegal activity from others or simply serve as a type of shorthand when it comes to talking about the drug.
In general, these infinitely more complicated terms aren’t used that often to refer to GHB. However, it is still possible to hear them among G abusers so don’t push them out of your mind completely.
Gamma Hydroxybutyrate is a CNS depressant, a chemical compound that essentially slows down the body’s natural processes and can result in a sedative effect that some people find calming.
It’s most commonly abused by teens and young adults in the “club scene” for its tendency to help individuals feel uninhibited, euphoric, and much more relaxed.
Liquid G is also one of the most frequently abused drugs when it comes to illicit substance-related sexual assault. It can have a dramatic sedative effect and is well known to be used as a “date rape drug.”
There aren’t many legal uses for 4-hydroxybutanoic acid. In fact, in the medical community the term “GHB” is usually used specifically to describe the illicit use of the substance.
Sodium oxybate, the sodium salt of GHB, can be found in the prescription drug Xyrem. This substance was approved by the FDA in 2002 for treating, oddly enough, narcolepsy.
Given its potential for abuse as Liquid G, Xyrem is highly regulated as a Schedule III controlled substance. What’s more, it’s only available from a certified pharmacy that has been granted authorization to distribute it through a program called the Xyrem Success Program.
In the world of illicit substances, illegal drug manufacturers will often try to produce chemical combinations that mimic the effects of certain illicit substances while still being technically classified as legal. They aren’t, after all, the exact same as the illegal drug.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, GHB has a number of analogues known as GBL (gamma butyrolactone) and 1,4 BD (1,4-butanediol). They’re fully legal substances when used for their harmless purpose of producing polyurethane, pesticides, elastic fibers and more.
However, some companies have begun marketing them as GHB alternatives and have done so under the guise of being “fish tank cleaners,” “ink stain removers,” “ink cartridge cleaners,” and “nail enamel removers,” usually priced at around $100 per bottle.
Don’t be fooled by these disguises though – if you see someone abusing these substances, they’re most likely doing so explicitly for the purpose of achieving their similar Liquid G drug effects.
Like Rohypnol, Ketamine, and a host of other party drugs, Liquid G is especially common on the club scene.
These venues are characterized by loud music, colorful and visually appealing lights, dancing, and a propensity towards alcohol and other substances.
For example, a recent study found that the number of GHB-related deaths in London rose an alarming 119% from 2014 to 2015 – a one year span. For a bit of perspective, deaths from ecstasy actually dropped by 10% in that same time period.
Beyond that, GHB or its many analogues can actually be made from home. Most of the tools required to do so can be found in the average kitchen and the major ingredients (GBL, NaOH, and distilled water) are all easily accessible from either the store or online.
It seems obvious, then, that Liquid G is not as harmless as many people imagine.
People are definitely abusing this drug in Idaho, and GHB has been in the news all throughout the northwest. It may not be the most common drug that the media reports on, but it is still a serious problem.
Take this case for example – The Elko Police Department in Nevada has reported that they have seen a spike in date rape cases in recent months. A press release they issued said that, “Recently, there have been several cases in local bars in which female customers have reported suspecting someone slipped drugs into their drink.”
Drugs like GHB can easily be slipped into someone’s drink without them knowing it. Once the victim consumes the drink, they soon become drowsy and incoherent. There have even been reports of people slipping into a coma that lasts for several hours.
Many date rape victims’ toxicology reports showed that GHB was present in their systems. It is a substance that has been used for many years, and it will probably not being going away anytime soon.
Many insurance companies will cover 100% of the cost of outpatient treatment. Call today and find out if your plan qualifies. We can also help with financing. [DirectNumber]
Probably moreso than its reputation as a party drug, GHB is also well-known for the part it plays in a large number of sexual assaults.
Like many other date rape drugs, Gamma Hydroxybutyrate is usually tasteless, odorless, and colorless when it’s mixed with a beverage. This makes it especially dangerous when it comes to being used to drug and sexually assault unwilling individuals.
Beyond that, GHB is difficult to test for since it has such a short half-life. This can be especially problematic in identifying assault when combined with the short-term memory loss that’s common with the drug.
As with many other substances, GHB should never be mixed with alcohol.
As a CNS depressant itself, when Liquid G is used in conjunction with any depressants, sedatives, or hypnotics, the combination can result in a dangerous drop of blood pressure, respiration, or central nervous system activity.
The result of doing so could be extreme sedation, seizures, coma, and death. In fact, 35.8% of all GHB-related emergency room visits also involved alcohol consumption.
Despite the lethality of this combination though, many people still use the two drugs in conjunction. After all, a few of the most common places to use GHB are bars, dance clubs, and concerts, all venues where alcohol is widely available.
Another problem among many people who use Liquid G and alcohol together is the development of a cross addiction. Not only does their frequent abuse of the two substances result in becoming addicted to G, it also contributes to an alcohol dependency as well.
Recognizing that you have a Gamma Hydroxybutyrate addiction is the very first step in coming to terms with your disease (it after all is a disease). And in order to do that, you first have to be able to spot the signs of being addicted to GHB.
One of the quickest methods for determining if you (or someone you know) has developed a Liquid G abuse problem is by taking an online quiz. It doesn’t typically take too long and it’ll help give you a better idea of how bad the problem has actually gotten.
For a bit more in-depth look at patterns of G addiction, you can use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) substance use disorder questionnaire to see how you score.
If you or someone you know answers yes to two or more of these questions for a one year timeline, it’s probably best to seek professional help.
This test does not substitute for the opinion of a qualified physician.
While more research still needs to be done to effectively chart out the long-term GHB drug effects, the short-term side effects of Liquid G can be a mix of pleasure, danger, and vulnerability.
On the one hand, when taken in small amounts the GHB high can bring about several pleasurable side effects such as:
But there are a host of negative side effects that come with abusing GHB as well. Not only can they be uncomfortable (and deadly), they can also be used to coerce people into doing things they normally wouldn’t do.
These negative side effects include:
The combination of these symptoms can also be deadly in some cases.
For instance, someone who has taken (or been given) high amounts of Liquid G may first lose consciousness due to its sedative qualities. But given that the drug may also cause vomiting, this individual may actually choke to death on their own vomit.
It is crucial then that if someone you know has taken GHB, they should be watched and accompanied at all times. Otherwise, they’re risking death.
As the body becomes more and more used to having GHB in its systems, it begins to compensate by adapting to its presence.
It alters the amount of chemicals and hormones produced, reduces the sensitivity of certain receptors, and engages in a variety of other measures to offset the effects of the regular exposure to Liquid G.
When the body is no longer regularly exposed to GHB, these systems struggle to get back to normal and, as a result, show signs of withdrawals.
And while these Liquid G symptoms of withdrawal are terrifying enough as it is, detoxing from GHB without the guidance of a qualified medical professional may actually result in death.
Similar to the effects of rapid alcohol withdrawal, GHB withdrawals may result in the development of a condition known as GHB withdrawal syndrome. It is characterized by delirium, tremor, and potentially fatal seizures.
Given the risk of death, then, anyone attempting to detox from G should first consult a physician before trying it on their own.
Like most other illicit substances, it is possible to overdose on Liquid G. What’s more, too much Gamma Hydroxybutyrate in the system can eventually lead to a complete shutdown of the respiratory system and eventually death.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of Liquid G overdose so you can spot the signs and get professional help:
When combined with other illicit substances like benzodiazepines or even alcohol, these effects can be even further intensified and make the risk of death even higher.
Going to drug rehab is not as simple as just finding one online and making an appointment for an intake. It is important for people to do their research prior to making a commitment. Not all rehabilitation programs are the same, but most people do not know what they should be looking for.
The best substance abuse programs in Idaho offer the following:
We also want to discuss the importance of personalized treatment. In many drug rehabs in the Boise area, the clients are not treated as individuals. Instead, they end up feeling more like numbers because the treatment they get is not exactly what they need. These programs can be effective in some cases, but they tend to have success rates that are either average or just below.
Personalized treatment plans are extremely important for people recovering from GHB addiction. They allow the staff to target their methods to meet the client’s unique needs. That step alone makes such a difference, and it is often what leads to positive long-term outcomes.
At Ashwood Recovery, we offer an excellent outpatient addiction treatment program. Our staff members are determined to provide the very best services to our clients to help them reach their goals. Recovering from an addiction may be difficult, but it is not impossible. We show our clients that it can be done with the right support.
Our program involves three levels of care, and each client is carefully assessed to determine what level they need. Our patients participate in one of the following:
It is not uncommon for people to begin with a very high level of care and then transition into a lower level. We are focused on meeting our clients’ needs because we want them to be successful.
We have two office locations to make getting treatment much more convenient for our clients. We are located in Boise.
Health insurance companies are now mandated to provide addiction treatment benefits for their customers. This means that anyone who has health insurance has this type of coverage written into their policies.
As far as what types of coverage are available, every policy is different. In many cases, it does tend to be better for those who are interested in outpatient treatment. Some health insurance companies may even cover the costs of everything in full.
At Ashwood Recovery, we are in-network with many of the top insurance companies in Idaho, including Blue Cross of Idaho.
At A shwood Recovery, we want people to know that they do not have to walk the road of recovery alone. We are here to provide them with the support they need to experience long-term success as they heal.
Do you have questions about GHB abuse or addiction? Would you like to know more about our Idaho drug rehab program? Please contact us today.
Our admissions coordinators are here to help you get started with treatment the right way. They'll verify your health insurance, help set up travel arrangements, and make sure your transition into treatment is smooth and hassle-free.
[DirectNumber] Contact Us