What is GHB? Addiction, Abuse & Treatment

Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) is a central nervous system depressant that carries dual identities: a Schedule I illicit party drug boosting euphoria and sociability, and a Schedule III prescription (Xyrem) for narcolepsy.

Street users chase its calming confidence and liquid ecstasy high, while myths persist about weight loss or muscle gain. Known infamously as a 'date rape drug,' GHB's narrow overdose window (1-5g lethal) spikes risks when mixed with alcohol or opioids, causing respiratory failure, seizures, or death.​

Learning more about the effects of GHB and the treatment options for those struggling with addiction can help individuals in their journey to combat addiction.

GHB’s formula is C4H8O3, which means 4 carbon (C) atoms, 8 hydrogen (H) atoms, and 3 oxygen (O) atoms. GHB depresses the nervous system and increases the likelihood of dependence. 

This drug was legally made to treat muscle weakness and daytime sleepiness. It’s sold under the brand name Xyrem, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2002 for medical purposes. Xyrem is a Schedule III drug, which means it has a low to moderate potential for dependence.

However, illicit GHBs that are made in secret laboratories are under Schedule I drug classification. This means it’s illegal to manufacture and possess this drug, and it has a high potential for abuse.

GHB goes by various street names, such as:

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

Using GHB can impact both the body and the mind. Upon taking GHB, the effects can be felt for 15 to 30 minutes and may last up to six hours. The short-term effects are as follows:

• Slow heart rate
• Slow breathing
• Seizures
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low body temperature
• Euphoria
• Drowsiness
• Decreased anxiety
• Confusion
• Memory problems
• Increase relaxation and socialization

High doses of GHB and long-term use can lead to the following adverse effects:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Tremors
• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Unconsciousness
• Organ failure (e.g. kidney, liver, lungs)
• Heart disease
• Depression
• Coma
• Death

Illicit GHB is addicting due to its effects on the central nervous system of the brain. A person who takes GHB for an extended period of time may grow dependent on it and require increasing doses to maintain the intended results.

Because it helps the user feel calm, happy, and more social, they may wish to experience its effects more frequently. Stopping or reducing the drug’s dosage may cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. This contributes to the person’s dependency on the drug.

As with any other substance abuse, GHB addiction can start with experimentation or recreational use. Recognizing the signs of GHB addiction early on can significantly contribute to the treatment and recovery of an individual.

Here are the common signs of GHB abuse:

• Intense craving or preoccupation to take the drug.
• Increasing doses or frequency of using GHB.
• Needing higher doses of the drug to achieve its usual effects.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when decreasing doses or stopping use.
• Withdrawing from friends or family to hide drug use.
• Prioritizing drug use over school, work, or daily activities.
• Exhibiting mood swings such as aggression and irritability.
• Experiencing financial problems due to GHB use.
• Neglect of relationships and hobbies.
• Impaired judgment due to the influence of the drug.

GHB has a salty taste; that’s why it is often mixed with other substances and increases the risk of overdose. One to five grams of GHB, especially if it’s mixed with other substances, can already be fatal. 

Mixing the drug with alcohol can lead to unconsciousness since it can enhance its depressant effects. Using GHB alongside other harmful drugs, such as amphetamines or ecstasy, can result in seizures, coma, or even death.

The symptoms of GHB overdose are as follows:

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Irregular, Fast Breathing
• Confusion, Anger, and Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Blackouts
• Impaired Memory
• Loss of Consciousness
• Coma
• Seizures
• Death

GHB overdose can be fatal because, based on research, there is no antidote for GHB toxicity. Therefore, if you observe GHB overdose symptoms, calling 911 should not be delayed. Contact professional help immediately.

In case of a GHB overdose, you can take these emergency response steps:

• Stay with the person while waiting for the emergency responders.
• Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.
• Give the responders as much information as you can regarding the time of intake, dosage, and overdose signs.

The patient may need immediate and severe medical interventions, such as admission to the intensive care unit or hooking up to a mechanical ventilator.

GHB is eliminated from the body quickly through urine and sweat. A sudden stop of GHB use may have severe withdrawal effects. The symptoms usually start 12 hours after the last use and can last up to 15 days. 

Withdrawal symptoms may vary in intensity, but here are the most common signs:

Physical Signs:

• Tremors
• Excessive Sweating
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Increased Heart Rate
• Muscle Cramps and Pain
• Severe Headaches

Psychological Signs:

• Anxiety
• Hallucinations
• Confusion
• Depression
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Intense Cravings

GHB addiction recovery requires careful medical oversight for withdrawal, followed by structured support to rebuild daily life. Withdrawal can begin within 12 hours of the last dose and may include severe anxiety, tremors, insomnia, hallucinations, and risk of seizures for up to 15 days, making home detox especially dangerous.

No FDA-approved medications exist specifically for GHB, but established protocols help stabilize the body while long-term recovery focuses on behavior change and support networks.

In a hospital or detox setting, clinicians monitor vital signs, manage agitation, and respond quickly to complications like delirium or seizures. Sedating medications may be used short-term to manage withdrawal intensity and protect sleep and cardiovascular stability.

Once medically stable, evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management help people understand triggers, challenge beliefs around “party” or “performance” use, and build healthier coping strategies.

Therapy also addresses underlying issues like trauma, anxiety, or social pressure that often drive GHB use.​

Ongoing peer support through Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, or similar groups offers structure, shared experience, and accountability between formal sessions.

Regular meeting attendance is linked with better long-term abstinence from club drugs like GHB.​

Sober living homes are an important next step after detox or residential care, especially for people leaving chaotic or high-risk environments.

Residents live in drug-free housing with:

• House rules, curfews, and routines to reduce relapse opportunities
• Daily or weekly check-ins, goal-setting, and peer accountability
• Life skills support, such as budgeting, job search, and healthy communication

This structure helps replace GHB-fueled confidence and sociability with genuine stability, responsibility, and connection.

Family involvement programs help relatives understand GHB addiction, rebuild boundaries, and communicate more effectively after episodes of blackout, secrecy, or financial strain. When families engage in education and support, outcomes improve, and the person in recovery is less likely to return to environments or patterns that triggered use in the first place.