GHB and GBL are two drugs which aren’t frequently talked about. But these two drugs are highly addictive and have severe withdrawal symptoms. If you or someone you know might be addicted to GHB or GHL, read on for information, help, side effects and more.
GHB Addiction and GBL Addiction
First of all, what are GHB and GBL? Well, if it tells you anything, GBL is frequently referred to as “coma in a bottle.” GHB’s effects are similar, and they’re both very inexpensive and very effective date rape drugs.
GHB, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, is a colorless, odorless liquid sometimes called liquid ecstasy or “easy lay.” The drug slows down the central nervous system, making the user totally unaware of his or her surroundings.
GBL, gamma-butyrolactone, is also a colorless and odorless liquid. It’s very similar to GHB; in fact, GBL is converted to GHB shortly after it enters the body.
Is GHB Addictive?
On the street, you may hear that GHB isn’t addictive. That it’s a club drug, or a party drug. Of course, you may also hear that it’s a date rape drug.
However, GHB is a Schedule 1 drug, which means it has no medical use and people who use the drug display drug seeking behaviors.
Is GBL Addictive?
Like GHB, GBL is an addictive drug. If you talk to someone who’s used it, he may tell you he was careful. But it’s actually quite easy to become addicted to GBL, just as it is GHB.
GHB / GBL Side Effects
The side effects of GBL and GHB are similar to one another. Obviously, there’s some perceived benefit to the drug, or else users wouldn’t take it. But overall the experience is more likely to make you completely unaware of your surroundings than to give you a sense of euphoria.
Before you consider taking GHB or GBL, consider this: the dose you need to get high and the dose that will cause you to overdose is almost exactly the same. There is no safe amount of GHB or GBL that you can take. The risks and potential side effects of the drug far outweigh any high you’ll feel when you take the drugs.
What Does GHB Feel Like?
At first, when you take GHB or GBL, you’ll feel:
- A sense of calm, even euphoria that lasts just a few minutes
- A feeling of increased sociability and a desire to connect with others.
Quickly after, however, you’ll experience the following:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sedation
- Amnesia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Decreased blood pressure
- Decreased heart rate
- Vertigo
Doesn’t sound too pleasant anymore. When you first take GHB or GBL, you’ll feel good. You’ll be social, calm and comfortable in your own skin. But the high doesn’t last long, and the effects of the drug are very dangerous, even fatal.
Is GHB / GBL Dangerous?
GHB and GBL are dangerous, and for many reasons. First of all, it’s already been noted that both drugs will render you unconscious. They’re odorless and colorless and can easily be slipped into someone’s drink.
As if that in and of itself weren’t dangerous enough, the side effects of GHB and GBL include a reduction in your blood pressure and your heart rate. It is possible to slow your heart rate so much that your heart simply stops.
Combined with alcohol, GHB and GBL are extremely dangerous. Alcohol itself is a very powerful drug and when combined with GHB or GBL the effects can be amplified. Nausea and vomiting will increase, causing dehydration. Inhibitions will lower, causing you to do reckless things.
In addition, you’ll lose motor control. You could, quite simply, hurt yourself. Finally, when combined with alcohol, you’re even more likely to stop your own respiration or heart.
Risks of GHB and GBL
If you’re addicted to GHB or GBL, that’s dangerous on its own. However, withdrawal from GHB and GBL should not be attempted without the supervision of a physician.
As you withdraw from GHB and GBL, you’ll initially feel classic withdrawal symptoms. You’ll be tired but unable to sleep, and you’ll most likely be shaky. You’re going to vomit, and you’ll feel delirious, confused, anxious and possibly paranoid. You’ll sweat profusely.
As withdrawal continues, your symptoms will worsen, and that’s why it’s important to seek a doctor’s help. Over the next week or so, you’ll feel increasingly anxious and restless, and possibly suicidal. You’ll hallucinate and experience severe delirium at intermittent intervals. You may suffer from seizures, which can be fatal if not supervised.
So, while GHB and GBL are dangerous drugs, withdrawal from the chemicals isn’t without its risks. If you feel that you may be addicted to GHB or GBL, please seek the advice and guidance of a doctor or rehab program.
GHB and GBL Addiction
People who have used GHB and GBL have done so for quite a few reasons. One of our readers said he had been depressed for quite some time, and taking GHB lifted his spirits in a way that no other drug did. When the mood lift faded and the depression set in again, he dosed again.
This continued in an ongoing cycle until he knew he was addicted. Unfortunately, as is so often the case, he couldn’t stop. The addiction worsened, the problems and side effects intensified and it culminated with his doctor suggesting that he check into a rehabilitation clinic.
People who have suffered GHB and GBL addiction have said that when you quit using the drug, you’ll feel different. Not at all yourself. You’ll feel anxious and depressed, but most have stressed the importance of not falling back into the cycle of GHB and GBL dosing.
Like any other drug, you can recover from GHB and GBL addiction. It’s hard to do, and most who have done it say it’s the scariest experience they’ve ever had. But it’s possible.
If you or someone you know is addicted to GHB or GBL, there are resources available. Check with your doctor or your local community clinic to be matched with the resource that’s right for your situation.