GHB Detox
The safest and most comfortable way to go through GHB detox is with medical support. This period can feel overwhelming due to withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Having professionals around means you are cared for and supported every step of the way.
If you are an LGBTQ person struggling with GHB addiction or worried about someone who is, Q Space Detox will help with not just GHB detox but long-term recovery. Reach out to us to discuss possible next steps.
GHB Withdrawal Symptoms
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a prescription medication sometimes used to manage excessive daytime sleepiness and muscle weakness in people living with narcolepsy. While it can be safely taken under medical supervision, it is also frequently misused for its euphoric and calming effects. This misuse gives users a strong intoxication and, over time, a serious addiction.
When someone who has been using GHB regularly tries to cut back or stop entirely, they can face a wide range of withdrawal symptoms, and some of these symptoms can be very uncomfortable and even dangerous.
People going through GHB withdrawal might experience symptoms like anxiety, trouble sleeping, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, tremors, hallucinations, confusion, delirium, mood swings, and even psychosis or aggression. These symptoms can come on quickly and feel overwhelming, especially without professional support. For many, the physical and emotional toll of withdrawal can drive them back to using GHB, not to get high, but simply to feel some relief. Unfortunately, doing so after a break in use increases the risk of overdose because their tolerance will likely have dropped.
That is why it’s so important to recognize just how serious GHB withdrawal can be. Understanding what to expect and knowing the risks can help you or a loved one take the next step toward safe and lasting recovery with the right kind of support.
GHB Withdrawal Timeline
The intensity and length of GHB withdrawal symptoms can look different for everyone. Things like how long you’ve been using, how much you’ve been taking, your overall health, and even your body’s unique chemistry all play a role. That said, there’s a general timeline most people can expect to follow during GHB withdrawal:
- Day one: This is when withdrawal symptoms typically start to show up. You might begin to feel anxious, restless, have trouble sleeping, or notice that you’re sweating more than usual. It can be uncomfortable, but it also means your body is beginning the process of rebalancing.
- Days two to five: This is often the most intense stretch. Symptoms may ramp up and peak, both physically and mentally. You could experience tremors, a racing heart, and in more severe cases, symptoms like confusion or psychosis. This is the stage where professional medical support is especially important—it helps manage risks and keeps you safe.
- Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): For many people, symptoms will taper off after the first few days. But for others, lingering issues like mood swings, sleep disturbances, or cravings can stick around for weeks or even months. This is called PAWS, and it can make staying sober feel like an uphill battle without the right support system in place. Ongoing care—whether through therapy, medication, or a structured programme—can make all the difference.
GHB detox at Q Space Detox
At Q Space Detox, we empathize with the physical and emotional difficulties that detoxing from GHB can cause. That is why we have created a detox programme that will keep you safe, supported, and cared for every step of the way.
When you arrive, you will receive a full medical assessment so we can tailor a detox plan to your needs. We will take your history, overall health, and needs as an LGBTQ person into account. Throughout your stay, our medical team will be there round-the-clock to monitor your progress and manage any symptoms that arise. If needed, we can also use medication to help ease withdrawal and keep you stable and comfortable.
Once detox is complete, you’ll have the option to continue with our GHB rehab programme. This next step helps you start unpacking the emotional and psychological sides of addiction, so you’re not just getting clean, but staying that way.
Call Q Space Detox Today
Q Space Detox offers various treatment options ranging from GHB detox to residential rehabilitation and aftercare programming. We ensure that you feel welcomed, safe, and secure in our LGBTQ-affirming environment.
If you are wondering how to get started, have questions about payment, or want to see if your insurance can help cover treatment, just give us a call at 305-745-7768. We are here 24/7 to walk you through the process and provide support. No matter where you are in your journey, it’s never too late to ask for help. We’re here when you’re ready.
Detox is an essential part of recovery, but it’s only the beginning. While it helps clear GHB from your system and manage the immediate withdrawal symptoms, it does not deal with the underlying reasons you started using it in the first place. Without further support, like therapy or ongoing treatment, the risk of relapse remains high. After detox, you will need rehabilitation and ongoing treatment to promote and sustain lasting recovery.
The length of GHB detox is not the same for everyone. Instead, it depends on how often you have been using the drug, how much you have taken, and your overall health. In most cases, the most intense symptoms show up within the first 72 hours and start to ease off after about 5 to 10 days. However, some people experience mild withdrawal effects for weeks or even months. Recovery is a journey and does not happen overnight, but with the right support, it does get better.
Don't Let Addiction Control Your Life Any Longer!
Begin your journey towards a brighter tomorrow by calling Q Space Detox today! Our team is committed to supporting you as you embark on the path towards becoming a successful and thriving member of the LGBTQ community.