Did you know that in 2019 at least three percent of Canadians used one illegal drug? The use of illicit drugs is on the rise, and the drugs getting abused might surprise you. One drug to be on the lookout for is GHB. But what is GHB? And how long does GHB stay in your system? Keep reading to learn more about GHB and how it could impact you. 

What is GHB?

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. This drug is commonly referred to as a “club drug” or “date rape” drug.

GHB is an odourless and clear liquid. It’s also salty and has a slightly bitter taste. However, that taste can easily get masked. It is often used in combination with alcohol and other drugs.

Doctors have prescribed GHB for narcolepsy in the past. 

Street Names of GHB

There are many different street names for GHB.

Some of these include:

• Gina
• G
• Liquid Ecstasy
• Goop
• Liquid G
• Liquid X
• Georgia Home Boy
• Easy Lay
• Grievous Bodily Harm

It is essential to be aware of the different street names for GHB so that you can be on the lookout for it. If you think you have been drugged with GHB, it is vital to seek medical help immediately as it can cause seizures and coma.

The Different Forms of GHB

GHB can exist in several different forms. Each form will vary a bit in strength depending on how it is prepared. 

Clear Liquid

The most common form of GHB comes in the form of a clear liquid. It can get consumed by drinking it directly from a container or from a spoon. The strength of this form will vary depending on how it has been prepared. Clear liquids have very little odour, which makes them difficult for people to detect unless they are looking for them specifically.

White Powder

A less common form of GHB is sold as an off-white powder that can either dissolve in water or sprinkle on other drugs, such as MDMA, to increase its effects. This form of GHB is more expensive than the clear liquid because its purity is easier to control during production.

GHB Pills

GHB pills are also available in some markets and come in different colours, sizes, and shapes, depending on where they were made. These pills are typically weaker than both the clear liquid and powder forms. However, they are much easier to take since all you need to do is swallow them with water instead of dealing with messy liquids or powders.

How GHB Works in the Body

GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that the FDA originally approved in 2002 for treating narcolepsy. It is also known as a “club drug” because it has been associated with the club scene and has been used illicitly as a recreational drug. This drug can lead to a short-term feeling of euphoria. 

GHB is produced naturally in the body in small amounts. GHB acts on the GABA receptors in the brain to produce its effects. GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve transmission in the brain. When GHB binds to the GABA receptors, it increases the action of GABA.

This leads to CNS depression, which explains why GHB can cause drowsiness and sleepiness. GHB also causes a release of growth hormone, which can lead to muscle growth and increased strength.

How long do the effects of GHB last?

Typically, you can begin to feel the effects of GHB within 15 minutes of ingesting it. The effects of GHB typically last for about 1-2 hours, but they can last longer if GHB is taken with other drugs or alcohol. 

GHB Effects on the Body 

There are a variety of side effects associated with GHB; we’ll cover some of them below. 

Drowsiness and Dizziness

The most common side effect of GHB is drowsiness. You may also feel dizzy or lightheaded. These effects can last for several hours.

Nausea and Vomiting

Other common side effects include nausea and vomiting. This is more likely to occur if you take GHB on an empty stomach.

Seizures

GHB can cause seizures in some people. This is more likely to occur if you take large doses of GHB or if you have a history of seizure disorders.

Respiratory Depression

GHB can cause respiratory depression, which means your breathing slows down or stops altogether. This is a severe side effect and can be fatal. If you have asthma or other respiratory problems, you should be careful not to take GHB.

Memory Loss

GHB can cause memory loss, especially if you take large doses. You may not remember what happened while you were under the influence of GHB.

Psychological Dependence

Some people who take GHB develop a psychological dependence on the drug. This means they feel like they need to take GHB to feel good or function normally.

If you develop a dependence on GHB, you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop taking the drug. These symptoms can include anxiety, insomnia, and tremors.

Feelings of Relaxation and Euphoria

GHB can cause feelings of relaxation and euphoria. These effects are usually short-lived, lasting for only an hour or so. However, they can be addictive and lead to abuse of the drug.

Increased Sensuality

GHB can also increase your sensuality. This means that you may feel more sexually aroused and responsive. These effects can last for several hours.

Vision Problems

GHB can cause vision problems, including double vision and blurred vision. These effects usually go away after a few hours.

Decreased Heart Rate

GHB can cause your heart rate to decrease. This is a severe side effect and can be fatal. If you have heart problems, you should be careful not to take GHB.

Blackouts and Loss of Consciousness

GHB can cause blackouts and loss of consciousness. If you take GHB with alcohol, the risk of blacking out or passing out increases. 

Death

In rare cases, GHB can be fatal. This is more likely to occur if you take large doses of GHB or have a heart condition.

How Long Does GHB Stay in Your System?

How long does GHB stay in your system? To know the answer to that question, you need to know about the drug’s half-life. 

A half-life is the time it takes one-half of a substance to decay or break down in your body. For GHB, this is about 30 to 60 minutes. This means that if you take 100mg of GHB, after 30 to 60 minutes, there would be 50mg left in your system.

However, GHB is metabolized differently in different people, so this is only an estimate. Some people may clear GHB from their system faster, while others may have it linger for longer.

However, even after the effects of GHB have worn off, GHB detection can still occur by using various drug tests. How long it can get detected depends on the test administered. 

Blood Test

Blood tests are highly accurate for testing. This is the most common way to test for GHB.

A GHB blood test can detect GHB in the blood for around eight hours after use.

Urine Test 

Urine tests are another popular GHB detector. One of the reasons they’re popular is because of their affordability. Urine tests are not as accurate as blood tests, but they can still detect the presence of GHB.

A GHB urine test can detect this drug in urine for around 12 hours after use.

Hair Test

Hair tests are not as common as blood or urine tests, but they can get used to test for GHB. They’re less effective than other methods of detection. However, because they can detect GHB for a more extended period of time, they do get used. 

Hair tests can detect GHB for up to a month after use.

Saliva Tests

Saliva tests are another method of testing for GHB. They’re not as common as other methods, but they can still detect the presence of GHB. Typically, they get used to confirm results after a positive urine test.

GHB can get detected in saliva for up to six hours after use.

Can You Overdose on GHB?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on GHB. The risk of overdosing increases even more when taking GHB with other drugs or alcohol. If you think someone has overdosed on GHB, call 911 immediately.

Symptoms of a GHB overdose include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Coma
• Death

If you are with someone who has overdosed on GHB, try to keep them awake and alert. Lay them on their side to prevent them from choking on their vomit. Do not give them anything to eat or drink.

Timeline for GHB Withdrawal

As with any other withdrawal process, the timeline for GHB comedown can vary depending on the individual. However, some general guidelines can get followed.

Mild Withdrawal

Because GHB does have a short half-life and the body metabolizes it quickly, withdrawal can begin rapidly. Most people will experience symptoms within a few hours after their last dose of GHB. These symptoms can include anxiety, agitation, insomnia, and sweating. 

These symptoms generally resolve within a few days for people who haven’t been habitual users. People with mild withdrawal symptoms generally take three to five days to stop seeing withdrawal symptoms. 

Severe Withdrawal

However, for people who have been using GHB for a long period of time, the timeline for withdrawal looks much different. These people can experience several stages of withdrawal, and it can take up to two weeks. 

People who experience severe withdrawal will still experience the same symptoms as someone with mild withdrawal. However, that’s stage one of withdrawal for them. 

That can progress into stage two. During this stage, they can experience an altered emotional and mental state, changes in cognition and sleep, and hallucinations. Stage two is comparable to someone detoxing from severe alcohol abuse. 

Withdrawal from GHB doesn’t always follow a set timeline. During withdrawal, the person can start to feel better, and symptoms can worsen. 

The Dangers of GHB Withdrawal

GHB withdrawal is not typically considered dangerous. However, there is a small risk of seizure during the first few days of withdrawal. This risk is highest in those who have abused GHB or have underlying medical conditions.

Treatment for Withdrawal Symptoms of GHB

If you or someone you know is struggling with GHB withdrawal symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional help. Withdrawal from GHB can be extremely uncomfortable and dangerous, so it should not be attempted without medical supervision.

Some of the most common symptoms of GHB withdrawal include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and sweating. These symptoms can be very intense and may last for several days or weeks. In some cases, people may also experience hallucinations or delusions.

Withdrawal from GHB can be treated with various medications, depending on the severity of the symptoms. For example, anti-anxiety medication may be prescribed to help ease anxiety symptoms. Typically, medications are used with people at risk of developing Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS). 

GHB withdrawal is a severe condition that requires professional treatment. If you or someone you know is going through withdrawal, please seek GHB withdrawal treatment from a medical professional as soon as possible.

What Are Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms? 

Post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) are the continued and often severe symptoms that can occur after stopping or reducing substance use. PAWS can include physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that can last for weeks, months, or even years.

Many people who experience PAWS report feeling like they have the flu, with fatigue, body aches, and headaches. Other common symptoms include insomnia, anxiety, depression, and irritability.

Some people also experience cravings for the substance they were using. PAWS can be challenging to manage and may require professional treatment.

Treatment for GHB Addiction and Abuse

There are a number of effective treatments for GHB addiction and abuse. The most important thing is to seek professional help as soon as possible. 

Detox

Detoxification is the first step in treating GHB addiction and abuse. During detox, the body is cleansed of GHB and other toxins. This process can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous, so it is important to detox under medical supervision.

Detoxification from GHB typically takes place in a hospital or residential treatment facility. The length of time required for detox varies depending on the severity of the addiction, but most people stay in detox for 5-7 days.

During detox, patients are closely monitored by medical staff. They may be given medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms. Nutritional support and counselling are also often part of detoxification.

GHB Addiction Medication

There is no specific GHB addiction medication. Still, various medications can be used to help manage the symptoms of GHB withdrawal and abuse. Withdrawal from GHB can cause anxiety, depression, insomnia, and tremors. Medications like benzodiazepines and antidepressants can help to ease these symptoms.

Inpatient Rehabilitation for GHB Addiction

Inpatient rehabilitation is one of the most effective treatments for GHB addiction and abuse. During inpatient rehab, patients receive around-the-clock care and supervision from a team of medical professionals.

This allows them to detox from GHB in a safe and monitored environment and receive treatment for any underlying mental health issues that may be contributing to their addiction. Inpatient rehab usually lasts 28 days, but some programs may be shorter or longer depending on the patient’s needs.

After completing inpatient rehab, patients typically transition to outpatient treatment, which they can attend while living at home. However, some people may choose to only complete outpatient rehab. 

Outpatient Rehabilitation for GHB Addiction

Outpatient rehabilitation is an excellent option for those struggling with GHB addiction. It allows you to continue living at home and participating in work or school while receiving treatment. Outpatient rehab typically involves individual and group therapy, as well as medication management.

If you’re considering outpatient rehab for your GHB addiction, finding a treatment centre that offers evidence-based care is important. Look for a program that uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be effective in treating substance use disorders.

When choosing an outpatient rehab program, it’s important to consider the staff’s experience and qualifications. Make sure the counsellors are licensed and have experience treating GHB addiction specifically. The best programs will also offer support for your family and loved ones, as they can play an important role in your recovery.

Individual Counseling for GHB Addiction

If you’re struggling with GHB addiction, individual counselling can be an effective treatment option. In counselling, you’ll work with a therapist to address your addiction’s underlying causes and develop healthy coping skills.

GHB addiction can be challenging to overcome on your own. Individual counselling can give you the support and guidance you need to make lasting changes.

In counselling, you’ll learn about the following:

• The effects of GHB on your body and mind
• The underlying causes of your addiction
• How to develop healthy coping skills
• How to create a support system to help you stay sober

Many different approaches can get used in counselling. However, cognitive-behavioural therapy is one of the most common approaches because of its effectiveness.

What’s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that works to help people change their negative behaviour and thinking patterns. CBT is driven by the theory that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected. By changing our thoughts and behaviours, we can feel better and function more effectively in our everyday lives.

CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for various mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, and more. In addition, CBT can help people manage stress, improve sleep, and cope with chronic pain.

CBT may be a helpful treatment option if you or someone you know is struggling with GHB addiction or abuse. A trained CBT therapist can help you identify negative thinking and behaviour patterns contributing to your GHB use. You will then learn how to replace these patterns with healthier ones. With time and practice, you can learn how to control your GHB use and live a healthier life.

What to Expect After Recovery

After completing treatment for GHB addiction and abuse, it is important to have a solid plan in place for continuing care and support. This may include outpatient therapy, 12-step or similar recovery programs, and regular check-ups with your physician. Be sure to stay in close communication with your treatment team and support network as you transition back into your regular routine.

Get the Help You Need

So, how long does GHB stay in your system? While GHB has a relatively short half-life, it can still get detected a month later with some tests. 

In addition, while the euphoric effects of using GHB are short-term, the time to detox and stop using is not.

Are you struggling with abusing GHB or addiction to GHB? Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health is here to support you. Contact us today with any inquiries.