Harm Reduction: How to detox GHB/GBL in 10 days
GHB/GBL is organically a very safe drug. It has not been shown to cause liver, kidney, cardiovascular or nervous system damage. But as we saw in the previous post in this series, it has a high potential to intoxicate and a few milliliters is the difference between a recreational dose and a dose that produces deep sleep.
GHB/GBL addiction and withdrawal
And there is yet another drawback. GHB/GBL is highly addictive. Some people need to administer it on a daily basis in several doses a day to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Some authors consider that daily consumption of GHB for a week is enough to generate dependence. Others (less exaggerated) estimate that withdrawal symptoms may occur when GHB is used more than four times daily for two to four weeks at doses of over 18 g per day. Mild symptoms are common, severe symptoms are uncommon (around 10%) but can be life-threatening or difficult to manage.
These are some pharmacological treatment available for GHB detoxification: • Tapering with GHB • Tapering with benzodiazepines • Phenobarbital • Baclofen • Gabapentin
So the bad news is that GHB/GBL is addictive and can lead to withdrawal in people who use it regularly. The good news is that tapering with GHB/GBL is, according to available studies, the simplest method, with the fewest adverse effects and the lowest risk of withdrawal symptoms.
| Mild GHB Withdrawal Symptoms | Severe GHB Withdrawal Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Insomnia | Delirium |
| Tremors | Psychosis, Hallucinations |
| Anxiety | Hypertensive Crisis, Suicidal Behavior |
| Rhabdomyolysis | |
| Seizures | |
| Agitation |
