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GHB Abuse, Addiction, and Treatment
GHB abuse is a growing public health concern. This substance is often used to lower inhibitions, feel calm, and in some settings, for chemsex activities. It can quickly cause addiction and require treatment.
If you’re LGBTQ and want to stop GHB abuse, contact an affirming, trauma-informed detox and rehab center like Inspire Recovery. Call 561-786-2655 to start your recovery today.
What Is GHB?
Gamma hydroxybutyrate, commonly called GHB, is a central nervous system depressant with a long and complex history. The compound was first synthesized in the 1960s and introduced as a surgical anesthetic. By the 1980s, however, its use shifted into nightlife culture, where it became known as a popular club drug.
Even at small doses, GHB creates feelings of euphoria and relaxation, but higher amounts may trigger dangerous effects such as amnesia, unconsciousness, or complete blackouts. Because it acts on the brain’s GABA receptors, its effects are often compared to substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies street GHB as a Schedule I controlled substance. This classification means it has no accepted medical use and carries a high risk for abuse. However, in a tightly regulated medical context, GHB exists in the prescription drug Xyrem®, an FDA-approved treatment for narcolepsy. This version of the drug is categorized as a Schedule III substance and is only available under strict monitoring.
Interestingly, the human body naturally produces tiny amounts of GHB, and trace levels can even be found in foods like certain meats. Still, these levels are far too low to cause any noticeable psychoactive effect.
On the street, people call GHB liquid ecstasy, liquid X, Grievous Bodily Harm, and Gamma Oh. It is often misused for its sedative or euphoric effects, with some individuals taking it as a substitute for ecstasy. In more sinister cases, its powerful sedative properties and memory-impairing effects have led to its widespread notoriety as a date-rape drug.
While some people experiment with GHB recreationally, repeated use can quickly lead to dependence. Over time, this pattern of use may progress into addiction, with individuals taking the drug more frequently to maintain its effects or to avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Is GHB Addictive?
GHB can be addictive, especially with repeated or long-term use. The drug acts on several neurotransmitters in the brain, most notably gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA slows down brain activity, which explains why GHB can cause feelings of relaxation, lowered inhibition, and drowsiness. With regular exposure, GHB alters the brain’s balance of these chemicals.
Chronic use can also make the brain and body develop dependence and cause people to take GHB just to feel “normal” or to function day to day. When someone who is dependent stops taking it, they may have withdrawal symptoms, which range from anxiety and restlessness to more severe effects. To avoid this discomfort, many people continue using GHB, reinforcing a cycle of compulsive use. This kind of relationship with a drug is the core characteristic of addiction, i.e, the inability to stop despite harmful consequences.
GHB Abuse and Chemsex in the LGBTQ Community
Within the LGBTQ community, GHB is often used in the context of chemsex. This practice involves using substances to enhance sexual experiences. It is most common among gay men, bisexual men, and trans women. GHB lowers inhibitions, heightens physical sensations, and allows sexual sessions to last much longer than they normally would. For some, this means feeling instantly connected with partners and enjoying sex that feels freeing.
Chemsex has roots in the history of gay culture, partly emerging as a response to stigma, shame, and the collective trauma of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Many LGBTQ people report that chemsex provides temporary relief from feelings of low confidence, internalized homophobia, or the burden of living as a marginalized person. The rise of dating and hook-up apps has also created new opportunities for easily accessible chemsex.
However, the use of GHB in chemsex has several risks. Besides addiction, mixing drugs with prolonged sexual activity increases the likelihood of overdose, sexual health conditions, and long-term psychological distress. While chemsex can feel liberating, the potential harms make it important to address GHB abuse with compassionate, LGBTQ-affirming treatment.
Contact Inspire Recovery for LGBTQ-affirming GHB Addiction Treatment
Although substance addiction is a chronic, often relapsing condition, sustained recovery is possible. At Inspire Recovery, we support you throughout every stage of your healing journey with programs tailored to meet your specific needs. Our LGBTQ-affirming treatment programs ensures that we meet your needs, helping you develop coping strategies that align with your life and goals.
Take your first step to recovery. Call Inspire Recovery at 561-786-2655 to start LGBTQ-affirming GHB addiction treatment.
What are the side effects of GHB?
GHB can cause side effects that depend on the dose and frequency at which it is used. Some of the common short-term effects include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, and slowed breathing. At higher doses, GHB can lead to blackouts, seizures, loss of consciousness, and coma. Long-term use may result in dependence, memory loss, and mood disturbances. Combining GHB with alcohol or other depressants significantly increases the risk of overdose.
How can I tell someone I love is addicted to GHB?
If you want to figure out whether someone you love is addicted to GHB, look out for frequent mood swings, memory gaps, and frequent drowsiness or confusion. You may also notice that their social life has changed and they are more secretive, neglect responsibilities, or prioritize parties and sexual encounters linked to drug use. Physical warning signs can include slurred speech, tremors, and unexplained fatigue. If they experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, or sweating when not using, it could point to dependence.
How can GHB abuse and addiction be treated?
The recommended treatment protocol for GHB abuse and addiction is a combination of medical care with therapy, counseling, peer support, and aftercare programs. Rehabilitation with Inspire Recovery is essential because we offer counseling, therapy, support groups, and relapse prevention strategies to address the psychological aspects of addiction. With Inspire Recovery’s support, people can rebuild stability and work toward long-term recovery.
Are you or is someone you know addicted to drugs?
Call Inspire Recovery today at 561-899-6088 for a free & confidential consultation.
