GHB Addiction Treatment

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At Paracelsus Recovery, our GHB dependency programmes are built upon our core values of care and pragmatism. We only ever have one client at a time to ensure confidentiality. At Paracelsus Recovery, our GHB dependency programmes are built upon our core values of care and pragmatism. We only ever have one client at a time to ensure confidentiality. We also tailor-make each treatment programme to make sure our clients receive the most individualised care possible. 
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One Client at a Time

Unparalleled staff to patient ratio of 15:1

GHB Addiction Treatment

At Paracelsus Recovery, we have created a unique and comprehensive treatment modality to help you overcome GHB dependency. We will conduct an elaborate assessment procedure to identify the exact treatment and therapies you require upon arrival. During this time, we will also determine which physical, medical and psychological issues require special attention. Treating co-occurring conditions is crucial to our GHB treatment programme because dependency often leads to issues like depression or anxiety. 

A supervised withdrawal procedure is the first step. In our experience, GHB- withdrawal symptoms are more dangerous than most other substances. It is essential to undergo the detoxification process in a professional rehabilitation centre as the symptoms can be life-threatening. It is not uncommon for people who attempt to go cold-turkey from GHB to end up struggling with an abstinence-induced psychosis. We have created specific treatment protocols to effectively help you manage these withdrawal symptoms and live a G-free life. 

Our psychiatrist and medical doctor will supervise the entire procedure to ensure that the detoxification period is as safe and medically sound as possible. You will receive supporting infusions (IVs) and various therapies to help you navigate the physical side effects. If deemed necessary, we will prescribe medication to help you manage the psychological effects.

For one-to-one treatment, our specialist therapists and doctors will work exclusively with you. In addition, a ‘live-in’ therapist will be available for emotional support around the clock throughout your entire stay.

What is GHB?  

Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), otherwise known as liquid ecstasy or G, is a central nervous system depressant with sedative and stimulant effects. The effects of GHB will vary greatly depending on the amount consumed,  the strength of the drug, and whether or not it is used with alcohol or other substances. When you have a small amount of GHB ( 1 – 2 mL), the effects usually become noticeable 5 – 20 minutes after ingestion and can last from a few minutes to a few hours.

Health Risks Include:  

  • Heightened sense of touch      
  • Tunnel vision
  • Convulsions
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Dizziness and headaches
  • Feeling drowsy or sleepy 
  • Lower body temperature 
  • Slower heart rate
  • Becoming comatose     
  • Cardiac arrest 

Psychological Effects Include:

  • Feeling confident and excited
  • Behaving in ways you normally wouldn’t
  • Engaging in risk-taking behaviour
  • Experiencing blackouts or memory loss
  • Becoming uncoordinated
  • Feeling disorientated
  • Hallucinating
  • Feeling extremely sad or low
  • Feeling irritated or agitated
  • Increased libido

Am I Addicted to G?

The drug – a clear liquid dispensed with a pipette – enhances libido and produces a potent mix of euphoria and tranquillity. But the difference between this euphoric high and an overdose is a matter of milligrams. When users exceed that minimal safety margin, they collapse and go into a GHB-coma.

These symptoms are dose-related, which means higher doses cause more severe respiratory and CNS depression. They can lead to an overdose, especially when mixed with other sedatives like alcohol or prescription medication. Amsterdam’s OLVG hospital reported a 266% increase in GHB-overdose admissions over the last five years.

Signs of an Overdose Include: 

  •       Appearing to be asleep but cannot be woken
  •       Profuse sweating 
  •       Slow, irregular or weak heartbeat
  •       Vomiting 
  •       Changes in respiration 
  •       Changes in pulse 
  •       Changes in colouration 
  •       Loss of consciousness 
  •       Changes in muscle response 

If someone experiences multiple GHB comas, it can lead to chemical changes in their brain. Amongst others, these can make you more likely to develop suicidal ideation, major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and others. 

360° Treatment Approach - The most extensive and comprehensive treatment worldwide.

Medical Check-ups
& Treatments
Addiction
Counseling
Extensive
Psychotherapy
Eye Movement Desensitization
and Reprocessing
Family
Therapy
Psycho-Education
Neurofeedback
Interval Hypoxic
Hyperoxic Treatment
Bio-chemical
Restoration
Probiotic Therapies
& Psychonutrition
Lifestyle &
Nutritional Counseling
Bio Feedback
& Bio Resonance
Yoga
Reflexology
& Accupuncture
Massages
Personal training

FAQs

GHB stands for gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (also known as 4-hydroxybutanoic acid) and is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter. People take it at dance parties and to enhance sex. While it usually takes years for an alcohol dependency to develop, you can become addicted to G within two weeks. Suicidal ideation is the number one withdrawal symptom, and it carries the highest overdose risk of any party drug.   

Studies show that regular GHB abuse can lead to addiction, depression, and anxiety. If a person regularly experiences unconsciousness following GHB use, they are much more likely to experience negative brain changes in their long-term memory, working memory, IQ, and stress or anxiety levels.

GBL is a precursor to GHB, which is converted to GHB inside your body after ingestion. It has a faster onset of action than GHB and is often more potent – so a smaller dose is required to have the same effect, which heightens the overdose risk. 

  If you are not (yet) ready to quit GHB, we can provide a 7-day executive detox programme. Our detoxification programme is beneficial if you need to recover after a period of excessive partying but do not have the time or availability for long-term treatment.

Chemsex is a common practice wherein people use drugs to enhance sex, reduce inhibitions and enhance desire. The three main drugs used in chemsex practices are GHB, mephedrone and crystal meth. As a result, GHB abuse and dependency has skyrocketed amongst chemsex circles.