Once a legal supplement for weight loss and increasing muscle mass, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is now a controlled substance in the United States. This means the government considers it dangerous and potentially lethal. Popular among gym and club cultures, despite its regulated status, GHB is still used recreationally today. Many people begin using GHB for weight loss or increased muscle mass without knowing its adverse side effects. GHB rehab is the safest, most effective way to prevent side effects and recover.
If you or someone you love in the LGBTQ community is concerned about GHB side effects, our Hollywood, California, GHB addiction treatment programs can help. La Fuente Hollywood provides a range of resources and rehab programs for the LGBTQ community. Call us now at 888.903.9898 to learn more about GHB rehab in California.
What Is GHB and Why Is it Dangerous?
GHB is a nervous system depressant. The brain makes small amounts of GHB daily to calm the nervous system. Similar to the effects of naturally occurring GABA, when taken in high doses, GHB can cause hallucinations, weight changes, and increased muscle mass. For many years GHB was easily accessible at health food stores. In the 1990s, doctors began noticing increased hospitalizations and deaths related to GHB use. Like benzos and other drugs that increase GABA, one of GHB’s side effects is that it changes the brain and makes it difficult to understand the world around you. These are only a few adverse side effects of GHB abuse that far outweigh the benefits of increased muscle mass or weight loss.
5 Common Side Effects of GHB Abuse
When GHB raises GABA levels, it calms the nervous system. Unfortunately, this can calm the whole body into a comatose state. This makes GHB a popular date rape drug and often leaves people with no memory of their high. Other common effects of GHB include:
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Confusion, loss of balance, and coordination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle spasms
- Slurred speech, difficulty speaking, and trouble understanding language
These are only a few effects of GHB abuse. For those living with co-occurring conditions, the mental health effects of GHB can be worse. Mood swings and aggression are usually signs someone is experiencing GHB withdrawal. Like other drugs that affect the brain, quitting GHB cold turkey can harm overall health. When the brain becomes dependent on GHB, it no longer produces GABA. This can lead to irrational behavior, intense depression, and anxiety. A GHB treatment center for addiction is the best place to mitigate the effects of GHB and prevent overdose, coma, or death.
GHB Addiction Treatment for the LGBTQ Community
Despite adverse and dangerous effects, GHB remains popular, especially among the LGBTQ community. For those without mental health resources, relying on GHB for increased GABA levels can be hazardous. If you or someone you love is worried about the effects of GHB, we are here to help.
Our party drug and GHB treatment programs can help at La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center. With cutting-edge medically-assisted detox and therapy, our compassionate team provides the resources and support people need to recover. No matter where you are in your journey, La Fuente’s GHB treatment center for addiction has the tools you need. With residential, outpatient, and sober living homes, our comprehensive care helps the community recover together. Our alumni programs and group therapy help members of the LGBTQ community find solidarity in sobriety to thrive.
Find GHB Rehab in California at La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center
Contact La Fuente now at 888.903.9898 to learn more about the side effects of GHB abuse and our GHB addiction treatment programs, and get started today.