Treatment Options for GHB Addiction

While there is no cure for GHB addiction (or any addiction), the disorder can be successfully managed for life with the right support.

Which Treatment Is Right for Me?

The right treatment plan for you will depend on these factors:[1,2]

• The severity of addiction, including the average dose of GHB and duration of use
• Co-occurring medical or mental health disorders
• Supportive family and friends
• Safe home environment
• History of attempts at recovery
• Polysubstance abuse

What Treatment Options Are Available for Addiction to GHB?

Treatment should be tailored to your individual needs, and this approach might vary throughout your recovery journey. Here are some of the most commonly used treatment options for addiction to GHB:

Withdrawal Management

Medical detox is often used to manage symptoms of withdrawal, keeping people safe and supported throughout withdrawal from GHB. With medical detox, you’ll be treated by experts in withdrawal who will prescribe medications and treatments as needed.

Medications often used for GHB withdrawal include the following:[13]

• Benzodiazepines: During GHB withdrawal, high doses of benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed to calm the body and control tremors.[2]
• Baclofen: This muscle relaxant can help to reduce the risk of muscle tightness and seizures.
• Propofol: This anesthetic can help people keep calm during detox.

Other medications may be prescribed to ease additional withdrawal symptoms, such as anti-nausea medications to address gastrointestinal discomfort or sleep medications to combat insomnia.[3]

The goal is to safely get you through this intense period. After a week or two, most people stabilize enough to progress to other forms of treatment.

Medication Management

Some types of substance use disorder, such as alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder, respond to medications specifically designed to correct chemical imbalances. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration doesn’t list any medication-assisted therapies (MATs) for drugs like GHB.[14]

Experts say benzodiazepine medications are an appropriate treatment for GHB detoxification. Typically, people take them in tapering doses. That could mean some people are still using benzodiazepines when their treatment programs begin.[15]

Therapy

Researchers say psychosocial interventions are crucial in addiction treatment, as they target social, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to addiction.[16]

Several forms of therapy could be used in addiction treatment, including the following:

• Motivational interviewing to reduce ambivalence and get people more committed to long-term sobriety
• Cognitive behavioral therapy to help people change behaviors and build skills for long-term abstinence
• Family therapy to help people address complex issues caused by addiction
• Contingency management to help people associate rewards with sobriety

Behavioral therapies aim to modify behavior via evidence-based approaches like reinforcement. These therapies are very effective in addiction treatment, including treatment for GHB addiction.[5]

One of the most common forms used in addiction care is cognitive behavioral therapy. This draws on principles of behaviorism and cognitive theory to provide a comprehensive approach to managing both addictive behaviors and triggers. By addressing the thought processes and emotions that underlie GHB abuse, you’ll learn to manage your thoughts, and this will translate into more positive behaviors.[6]

Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

The National Institute of Mental Health says it’s better to treat underlying mental illnesses and addictions at the same time.[17]

Your treatment program might include behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy. Your team might also use medications to treat underlying mental health issues like anxiety or depression.

Is Inpatient or Outpatient Rehab Best for GHB Addiction?

Your treatment team can help you find the right addiction treatment setting for your long-term recovery. This table can help you understand what type of person typically uses either version:

It depends. The choice between inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment will depend on the severity of your addiction, any co-occurring mental health issues, and past attempts at treatment.

If you have previously attended an outpatient rehab program but relapsed, inpatient treatment may be recommended. This can allow you to fully focus on your recovery efforts and reduce the likelihood of relapse on this recovery attempt.

If you have co-occurring disorders, such as depression or a personality disorder, or you struggle with the abuse of multiple substances in addition to GHB, inpatient care may also be recommended. It’s also a good choice if your addiction level is severe, and intense withdrawal symptoms are anticipated.

Outpatient care can be a good choice for people who live in spaces without too many relapse risks. This can mean the following:

• Your housemates don’t use drugs.
• Your dealer doesn’t live nearby.
• You have housemates that can keep you honest.
• You feel safe at home.

Most people receive outpatient treatment for addiction. In most cases, intensive outpatient treatment programs are as effective as inpatient options.[7]

How Long Should Treatment Last?

The duration of treatment is an important factor in long-term success. Studies repeatedly show that longer time in treatment is linked to better long-term outcomes.[8]

Whether you choose an inpatient or outpatient treatment program for GHB addiction, aim to stay in it for a minimum of 30 days. Programs that last at least 90 days are associated with lower instances of relapse.[9]

This doesn’t mean you necessarily need to stay in an inpatient program for 90 days. Many people begin with inpatient care and then transition to outpatient care after a month or so. The intensity of outpatient care can also wane as you gain a stronger footing in recovery.

The Importance of Aftercare

Once treatment ends, recovery is not over. Addiction recovery is an ongoing process that must be continually managed. Since GHB addiction is a chronic condition, relapse is possible for the rest of your life. But with proper management, long-term recovery is possible.

Here are some components of a strong aftercare plan that can help you maintain recovery and avoid relapse:[10]

• Participation in support groups, such as 12-step groups
• Ongoing therapy participation
• Health lifestyle choices, like regular exercise and a balanced diet
• A solid support network, including people who are also in recovery
• Self-care practices, such as meditation and journaling
• Sufficient sleep

If you find yourself with cravings for GHB again, reach out to your support team. Your therapist or members of your support group can help you to remain focused on your recovery.

And if you do relapse, remember that it’s not a failure. Relapse is often part of the overall recovery process.[11,12] It’s just a sign that your recovery plan needs adjustment, or you need to refocus on your goals.