Known by many street names, including “goop” and “Georgia home boy,” GHB is popular in the LGBTQ community. Found at clubs and house parties, GHB has been on the party drug scene for decades. Also known by its full name, gamma hydroxybutyrate, the brain makes low doses of GHB every day. Often found online and in clubs or gyms, GHB was once easy to get at natural food stores and commonly used among bodybuilders. Unfortunately, during the 1990s, doctors found an increase in patients admitted to hospitals and dying from GHB use. Understanding the effects of GHB on the brain can help someone understand the dangers of this popular drug.
If you or someone you love is using GHB, it’s time to talk to a California treatment center. A La Fuente, our residential and outpatient treatment options provide Hollywood, California GHB addiction treatment for the LGBTQ community. Our compassionate, cutting-edge treatment programs support every stage of GHB recovery. Call us now at 888.903.9898 to learn more and get started today.
What Is GHB?
GHB is a depressant that calms the nervous system. Like benzos, synthetic GHB increases GABA levels in the brain. This promotes calm and can even cause hallucinations and euphoria. In fact, GHB is so strong it is commonly used as a date rape drug. While high on GHB, someone may become disoriented and suffer memory loss. Other effects of GHB include:
- Euphoria
- Drowsiness
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion, loss of balance and coordination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle spasms
- Slurred speech
- Trouble speaking and forming words
Unlike benzos, GHB also increases muscle mass and promotes weight loss, making it popular among amateur and professional bodybuilders.
GHB Effects on the Brain
As a depressant, GHB slows down the brain’s processing speed. This slows messages to other bodily systems, causing heart rate, metabolism, and breathing to slow down and even stop during an overdose. Long-term GHB use can cause memory problems, including issues with long-term and working memory and memory loss during a high. Sometimes, GHB can cause loss of consciousness and comas.
Like benzos, the increase in GABA can cause changes in IQ and mental perception, leading to higher stress levels and anxiety. If someone living with depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder takes GHB, these effects can worsen their mental health. They are also more likely to develop an addiction to GHB or other drugs.
Your Cutting-Edge GHB Treatment Center in California
When someone stops taking GHB, they experience withdrawal. This is a normal, painful, and often dangerous part of recovery. Working with medically-assisted detox and mental health professionals can be life-saving. If you or someone you love is struggling with GHB, do not quit cold turkey. Rebound effects, worsening mental health, and cognitive issues are common during GHB withdrawal. The team at La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center is here to help.
Our cutting-edge addiction and mental health treatment programs provide the LGBTQ community of Southern California with a different kind of treatment. We understand the community often struggles to find safe, inclusive treatment options. At La Fuente, many of our clinicians are in recovery themselves and are here to support every client’s unique journey. Our residential and outpatient treatment programs provide LGBTQ-focused individual and group therapy alongside medically-assisted detox for long-term recovery. Our alumni programs, sober living homes, and friendly staff are here to help you thrive.
Learn More About the Brain and GHB
We know recovery isn’t linear and that our community is stronger together. Don’t let GHB affect your life. If you’re ready to learn more about the benefits of GHB treatment in California, call us now at 888.903.9898 or contact us online.