GBL Addiction

GBL is a rightly notorious drug both for the risk of addiction that it carries and for its use as a date rape drug. Most commonly abused at parties, clubs and in other social settings, many users find themselves caught in the vice of GBL addiction before they even realise they have lost control. GBL addiction can harm you in every way and understanding its impacts and how to seek help could potentially save your life.

What is GBL?

GBL, or Gamma-Butyrolactone, is a chemical that is often used in industrial cleaners and solvents (substances that can dissolve other materials). However, when someone drinks GBL, their body changes it into another chemical called GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate). GHB affects the central nervous system, making the person feel very relaxed and sleepy.

These effects have made GBL a substance of abuse as users seek the calming and euphoric sensations it can produce. However, this misuse is extremely dangerous because the difference between a dose that causes pleasant effects and one that causes severe harm is very small.

GBL is also one of the most commonly used “date rape” drugs due to the powerful GBL side effects. When someone unknowingly consumes a drink with GBL, they can become very drowsy or unconscious, making them vulnerable to assault. This is possible because GBL is a clear liquid with no odour, so it can be easily mixed into drinks without being noticed.

What is GBL addiction?

GBL addiction is when you can’t stop using GBL, even though it is harmful to you. Addiction to GBL usually starts with initial use, where you might begin using it out of curiosity, to relax or at a party or club to get high. You might use it more often if you like how it makes you feel.

When someone keeps using GBL, their body starts to get used to it, which means you need to take more to feel the same way you did before. This is called tolerance. You may then start taking more GBL, which can make your body start to depend on it physically. This means you have to take GBL throughout the day to be able not to feel sick, anxious or depressed.

After a while, a full GBL addiction takes hold where you lose any control over how much you are taking, and GBL abuse causes huge problems in your daily life, relationships and with your health.

Am I addicted to GBL?

It is not always as easy as you might think to recognise that you are addicted to GBL. Drug addiction often comes on slowly, with the line between GBL abuse and addiction incredibly thin. Here are some signs of GBL addiction that could suggest there is a problem:

• Beginning to use GBL all the time and feeling like you can’t go a day without it
• Feeling sick, anxious or shaky when you don’t use GBL due to withdrawal
• Not being able to focus on anything except for getting more GBL
• Giving up hobbies or activities that you used to care about because all your time and energy is spent using
• Trying to keep your GBL use a secret or hide it from your friends and family
• Using GBL even though it’s causing problems in your life like bad results in school, fights with friends and family or obvious health issues

What can lead to GBL addiction?

GBL abuse can start for many reasons but usually begins as recreational experimentation at a club or party. Despite the reason someone decides to use GBL for the first time, not everybody who tries it will become addicted. These days, we understand that certain people have underlying risk factors which can greatly increase the chances of addiction to GBL and other substances. These people include those who:

• Use GBL to help them relax when they are stressed or feeling down and become dependent it
• Have friends who use GBL, so they use it too because of peer pressure or just to “fit in
• Have issues with anxiety, depression or other mental health problems and use GBL to cope
• Come from families with a history of substance abuse, as addiction can have a genetic aspect
• Have had difficult or traumatic experiences and use GBL to forget or feel better
• Have low self-esteem and take GBL to feel happier or more confident or happier
• Don’t have friends or family to support them during tough times and turn to GBL for comfort

What are the effects and dangers of GBL abuse?

GBL abuse can lead to serious health problems, addiction and various life challenges. Here are some of the most serious dangers of GBL abuse and addiction and how they can impact your life:

GBL overdose risk

Taking too much GBL can be very dangerous and even life-threatening. It can make a person pass out, have trouble breathing or even stop breathing completely.

Health problems

Long-term use of GBL can cause serious health issues, like damage to the brain and other organs. It can also lead to serious memory problems and trouble thinking clearly, making even simple daily tasks very difficult.

Loss of control

When you are under the influence of GBL, you can lose control over your actions, leading to risky behaviour or getting into unsafe situations.

Problems at school or work

GBL addiction can make it hard for you to focus or perform in school or at work. This can cause major issues for your future prospects.

Relationship issues

GBL addiction can cause fights and problems with friends and family as you become more secretive, isolated or acting erratically.

Financial problems

Buying GBL can be expensive, and once you are addicted, you can end up spending a lot of money on it, leading to serious financial troubles.

Legal risks

Because of its potential for abuse and the severe risks it poses, GBL is heavily regulated in many countries, including the UK, where it is a Class B drug. This means if you are caught with GBL or supply it without a licence, you can face heavy fines and prison sentences.

How is GBL addiction treated?

When you are addicted to GBL, there are three main steps to overcoming the addiction and giving yourself the best chance of staying sober:

1. GBL detox

GBL detox is when you stop using GBL and let your body get rid of the drug. It is important because it allows your systems to recalibrate and break the developed physical dependence. Drug detox can be hard because of withdrawal symptoms that emerge as your body and brain try. During medical GBL detox, you will have medical help to manage these symptoms and make sure you are safe.

2. GBL rehab

After GBL detox, rehab helps you learn how to live without the drug. GBL rehab is most effective when it takes place in a specialist centre where you live for the length of your treatment and participate in different forms of therapy every day.  GBL rehab includes talking about why you started using GBL, learning new ways to handle the triggers that cause drug use and getting support from others who are also recovering.

3. Aftercare and relapse prevention

Drug rehab, aftercare and relapse prevention help you stay off GBL in the long term. This usually includes ongoing therapy, support groups, and guidance on living a healthier lifestyle.

Get help for GBL addiction today

If you are ready to move past GBL addiction, Oasis Bradford is here to help. We provide comprehensive GBL detox, rehab and aftercare programmes that will give you the best possible start on your journey to a new life. Contact us today, and our admissions team can answer any questions you may have and explain our treatment programmes in full.

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