Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid or GHB:
Background:
Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid or GHB is a naturally occurring substance found in the nervous system and is speculated to be a neurotransmitter. GHB can also be found in other organs like the liver, kidneys, heart, and bones. GHB is also a drug that is generally used as an anesthetic and a hypnotic sedative as a treatment for insomnia. The FDA also allows the use of Xyrem, a brand name of GHB, to minimize the occurrence of cataplexy attacks on narcoleptic patients. However, in March of 2000, GHB has been classified as a Schedule I drug by the DEA and possession and distribution of the drug is illegal. GHB is known by many names such as G, Georgia Home Boy, Liquid X, Liquid Ecstasy, Great Hormones at Bedtime, Scoop, Easy Lay, G-Riffick, Jib, and a lot of others. GHB can be in the form a clear liquid that is easily mistakable as water at first glance. GHB can also be in the form of a salt like sodium gamma-hydroxybutyrate or potassium gamma-hydroxybutyrate.
Medical Uses of GHB:
GHB can be classified as a CNS depressant and, this being the case, was used as a general anesthetic. GHB was also used to treat insomnia for its sedative properties. Xyrem, a trade name of GHB, is allowed by the FDA as a management for cataplexy attacks for narcoleptic patients.
Side Effects of GHB:
GHB is known to cause the following adverse reactions:
- Loss of inhibition
- Euphoria
- Sensuality
- Placidity
- Anxiety
- Drowsiness
- Anterograde Amnesia
- Loss of consciousness
- Depressed gag reflex
- Unconsciousness
- Vomiting
- Depressed respiration
- Seizures
- Bradycardia
- Coma
Illegal Use of GHB:
Perhaps the most common illicit use of GHB is as a party drug. On small doses, GHB has just about the same effect as alcohol. Analogs of GHB are also marketed as performance enhancers and some even claim to have anti-aging properties. Whatever the case may be, this does not change the fact that, despite being a naturally occurring substance in the body, GHB is still a very dangerous substance with a very high potential for abuse.
GHB has also gained the notoriety for being a "date rape drug" since it is clear and odorless in liquid form and it can easily be slipped into drinks of unsuspecting victims. This is because of GHB’s sedative and anterograde amnesia-inducing effects.
Do not be deceived by online sources that the use of GHB is "safe." GHB has proven to have erratic effects, making the consumption very hazardous to your health. Add the fact that manufacture of this substance is illegal, and it is given that GHB sold in the black market have varying potencies, making each time you take GBH a threat to you life.
What more, substance abusers tend to use a wide array of substances in conjunction with each other. This practice is a sure-fire way that may lead to a trip to the ER, or worse, the cemetery. The use of GHB with other CNS depressants or alcohol is known to cause coma and death.
GHB users experience "mini comas" where they fall under unwakeable sleep. This usually occurs for periods that last variably from 2 to 3 hours. During this time, the person taking GHB is very vulnerable, since the gag reflex is depressed along with the loss of consciousness. Cases have been documented where GHB users have been rushed to the ER due to convulsions and loss of consciousness, drowning in their own vomit or saliva due to the depression of the gag reflex. GHB also exhibits one of the most severe withdrawal symptoms.
Rehabilitation:
The rehabilitation of GHB users is a very fragile matter. Due to its ruthless withdrawal symptom, self detoxification is highly discouraged, because withdrawal from GHB includes anxiety, severe hypertension and elevated pulse, hallucinations. A number of suicide cases that have been documented are related to GHB withdrawal.
Detoxification of GHB should be done under the supervision of professionals. One of the treatments involves the use of Benzodiazepines to address withdrawal symptoms. Anticonvulsants and antipsychotics are also used.
Counseling and support groups are also a valuable tool used to address underlying factors of the addiction. The support of family and friends and the able hands of professionals are essential to save an addict.
The road to complete recovery from GHB addiction may be a hard road, but with proper guidance, a successful and lasting intervention can be achieved.
What GBH Rehabilitation Patients say about Malibu Horizon
The identities of the people writing these testimonials have been withheld to protect their inalienable right to privacy. The names that follow are fictional names of the author’s choosing.
"I was a party boy back in my high school days. I even used E and G to enhance the party experience. It was unbelievable! Man, was that a bad decision. Sometimes I’d wake up not knowing what I did last night and it terrified me. Malibu Horizon helped me through the tough rehabilitation regimen, but It is all worth it cause now, I don’t have to use drugs to have a great time." –P-bo
"I am a body builder and a friend recommended this food supplement to me. I tried it out and for a while it felt great. Soon I was hooked and all my efforts to live healthy didn’t seem to matter. I almost lost my family as well. That’s when I knew that I needed help. I came to Malibu Horizon and now, I’m back to being a great father, husband, and a person who’s in control of my life." –Arnold
"I admit I got with the wrong crowd during a dark phase of my life. We even cooked liquid x in our kitchens to get high. One of my friends even laughed out loud when one of our homies layed down. He was vomiting and convulsive and they just laughed saying its normal. Well because of the time wasted my friend got rushed in the ER because he almost drowned on his own vomit. I knew I didn’t want that to happen to me so I came to Malibu Horizon. They helped me start over and now I’m confident and has a better outlook on life." –Jose