Once common in health food stores, GHB is now a regulated substance. This depressant increases GABA levels in the brain and can be deadly. Unfortunately, GHB remains popular on the club scene and in gyms for its weight loss and muscle-building effects. When taken in high doses and mixed with other drugs, GHB can alter brain chemistry and even lead to death. Like many other drugs, GHB disproportionately affects the LGBTQ community and is especially popular among gay men. Luckily, an increase in awareness of the dangers of GHB has led to inclusive GHB treatment centers in California serving the LGBTQ community.
High doses and mixing GHB with other drugs can be deadly. If you or someone you love is ready to learn about the dangers of GHB and the benefits of addiction treatment, our addiction treatment center in California can help. With residential and outpatient treatment options, La Fuente’s GHB addiction treatment center in Hollywood, California can help you recover. Call us to learn more about our cutting-edge, evidence-based treatment options at 888.903.9898 and start feeling better today.
What Is GHB?
GHB, or gamma hydroxybutyrate, is known by many street names, including “goop” and “Georgia home boy”. The brain makes low doses of gamma hydroxybutyrate as a depressant to calm the nervous system. Like benzos, synthetic GHB can cause hallucinations, euphoria, and a calm state. While GHB is known for increasing GABA levels, it also increases muscle mass and promotes weight loss. Sold online and in nightclubs, GHB was once common among bodybuilders. During the 1990s, emergency room doctors found an increase in patients admitted for GHB use. Today, the Drug Enforcement Agency regulates the substance as a Schedule 1 drug. This means the government considers GHB dangerous and highly addictive. It is not approved for medicinal or over-the-counter use.
Is GHB Deadly?
When doctors began seeing an increase in GHB patients, they also noticed a rise in GHB-related death. By increasing GABA, GHB can make it hard for someone to remember their high. Today, unfortunately, it’s a common date rape drug that can slow the nervous system causing the brain and body to shut down. The more someone uses GHB, the less they will feel the drug’s effects. This leads to higher doses and potential overdose. Signs of GHB use include:
- Euphoria
- Drowsiness
- Confusion, loss of balance and coordination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle spasms
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty speaking
These symptoms of GHB can be dangerous and deadly. Because GHB can leave a person incapacitated, it’s hard to ask for help during an overdose. Similarly, when a person becomes dependent on GHB, they may develop withdrawal symptoms. When the drug leaves the body, the nervous system will speed up, attempting to regulate itself. This can cause dangerous symptoms including:
- Insomnia
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Psychotic thoughts
- High blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Physical tremors
- Delirium
- Extreme confusion
- Changes in mood
- Aggression
Both GHB addiction and withdrawal can be deadly. Unfortunately, without treatment, people are more likely to relapse, overdose, or mix GHB with other drugs. A GHB addiction treatment program is the safest way to avoid the dangers of GHB and recover.
Your GHB Addiction Treatment Center in Hollywood, California
GHB is deadly. Many men in the LGBTQ community may struggle to find the necessary support to stop using GHB. They may also struggle to find a safe, sober social scene without GHB and other drugs. The team at La Fuente can help.
With cutting-edge addiction and mental help treatment for the LGBTQ community, La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center’s compassionate staff understands addiction firsthand. Many of our clinicians are in recovery themselves and are here to support every step of a client’s recovery. With medically-assisted detox and a range of therapy programs, our residential and outpatient treatment programs provide care clients can count on.
We know recovery isn’t linear and that our community is stronger together. With alumni programs, relapse prevention, and additional supportive resources, our team is here to help with every step of GHB addiction treatment and long-term recovery.
Learn More About the Dangers of GHB
Don’t let GHB cause long-term damage to your health. If you’re ready to learn more about the benefits of GHB addiction treatment in California, call us now at 888.903.9898 or reach out online to speak to our staff today.