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GHB has a storied and infamous history as a depressing substance. It is extremely addictive, but can be overcome with the help of specialist, clinical treatments from The Hader Clinic.
Receive immediate help for GHB addiction. Get in touch with The Hader Clinic for a Free 60-Minute Consultation. If the situation is critical, give us a call. We can offer priority admission for patients in crisis.
Contact usGHB — or gamma-hydroxybutyrate — is a central nervous system depressant that naturally occurs within the body. It has a range of medical applications, but most recently, has been co-opted by party scenes as a powerful gateway to euphoria and increased libido. The substance can be easily abused, and is highly addictive.
The Hader Clinic addresses GHB addiction by following a holistic model of care that treats all facets of addiction. As a specialist private hospital, we are experts at helping patients through all stages of recovery, from detox and withdrawal, to inpatient rehabilitation, to outpatient services. Each program features specific therapies and costs, giving patients the greatest shot at long term recovery.
The true effects of GHB addiction can infiltrate through all facets of life. They are serious, and rarely remain relegated to weekend partying. However, with specialised treatment from The Hader Clinic, they can be addressed.
GHB withdrawals can be difficult for patients who use the substances daily as a sleeping aid, workout supplement, and anti-depressant. GHB addiction begins with soaring blood pressure, increased pulse, and panic attacks. After this stage, patients may seem fine and ready for discharge.
In reality, withdrawal progresses over the next few days, leaving patients to experience a mix of symptoms, including:
The Hader Clinic has clinical experience treating GHB withdrawal. As a private hospital, we can administer medication that aids with physical symptoms of withdrawal. Our multidisciplinary team can also help you manage the psychological effects of withdrawal, helping you move on to the next stage of recovery.
It's true — GHB is a notorious date rape drug. It is usually colourless and without odour, with a slightly bitter or salty taste, making it easy to slip into drinks undetected.
However, in the 1960s, GHB was initially synthesised as a drug to treat insomnia, depression, narcolepsy, and alcoholism — and still is to this day. It's also used as a growth hormone stimulant for bodybuilders and athletes.
It is also taken consensually by individuals and groups in a variety of settings. In the short term, GHB can contribute to feelings of euphoria, an increase in sex drive, and lowered inhibitions. It also has a range of adverse effects, including drowsiness, tremors, nausea, and diarrhoea.
Due to its euphoric effects and designation as a party drug, GHB is a prime candidate for a poly drug use. As popular as it is, GHB can be one of the more dangerous elements of poly drug use, potentially leading to stroke, seizures, coma, and death.
Due to its depressive effects, GHB is often taken to ease the comedown from stimulants and other substances. This reliance on both substances at one time can lead to addiction of both simultaneously.
Abusing GHB leaves users open to a severe risk of overdose. There is a tiny margin between a dose that produces the desired effects, and a dose that is over the limit of human consumption.
Serious adverse effects include:
Concentration between vials and batches varies widely, so it's impossible to know how much of the active ingredient one is ingesting.
GHB is an addictive drug, and addiction is not a choice — but a disease. It affects everyone from all walks of life, no matter their age, income, gender, race, or level of intelligence. Addiction doesn't discriminate. Fortunately, like many diseases, it can be treated.
We successfully treat all kinds of people for all types of addiction. We take every patient on a case-by-case basis, formulating a treatment plan that will take them from detox and withdrawal, to our inpatient program, and finally offer them support as an outpatient. Our specialised treatments give them the best possible chance at recovery.
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