Written by:

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

January 28th, 2025

GHB Addiction Treatment | Detox and Rehab

GHB rehab is a specialised programme designed to help individuals break free from addiction to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). The main focus is on safely managing withdrawal symptoms through a medically monitored detox and addressing the underlying psychological factors that contribute to addiction. The programme also aims to equip individuals with strategies to prevent relapse, supporting them in achieving long-term recovery.

Do I need GHB rehab?

If you’re asking yourself whether you need GHB rehab, it’s understandable that this could be a confusing and challenging situation. Maybe you started using GHB to enhance sexual encounters or as a party drug, but now it seems your relationship with it has shifted. If you find yourself craving GHB or feeling like you can’t function without it, these are strong indicators that rehab could be beneficial for you.

It’s also important to consider the influence of gender on GHB withdrawal symptoms. Research suggests that women may experience more severe individual withdrawal symptoms compared to men. This could be linked to higher rates of co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety and stress, which are more common in women with substance use disorders (SUDs).

If you’ve noticed that GHB withdrawal feels particularly overwhelming, it could be due to these underlying factors, making professional support in rehab even more crucial for recovery.

How is a GHB rehab programme structured?

Rehab can feel daunting, especially when it’s difficult to know what to expect. Since rehab is a deeply personal experience, what you go through may differ from someone else’s journey. However, one thing that remains consistent is the structure of our programme at Primrose Lodge. While we can’t guarantee your personal experience, we can share how our GHB rehab programme is structured to help ease any concerns.

Initial assessment

Your journey begins with a thorough assessment, allowing our experienced team to create a tailored treatment plan specific to your needs. This personalised approach ensures that you receive care addressing your challenges with GHB.

Detox

Detox is a critical step and at Primrose Lodge, you’ll have the full support of medical professionals 24/7. They’ll be there to ensure your safety and comfort, managing withdrawal symptoms and guiding you through this challenging process.

Therapy

Therapy forms the foundation of recovery, and we use various methods, including Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), one-on-one counselling, group therapy and holistic practices like yoga and art. These approaches help address underlying causes, such as using GHB for sexual enhancement or coping with emotional issues.

Aftercare

Your support doesn’t end when you leave. Our aftercare programme provides long-term guidance to help you maintain sobriety and adjust to life after rehab, giving you the tools and confidence to continue your recovery.

Should I attempt a GHB detox at home?

Attempting to detox at home for free might seem enticing, especially if you’re unsure how challenging the process may be. Perhaps you feel that you can manage the symptoms or that the detox stage won’t be as difficult as others say. However, GHB detox is often more dangerous than expected and it’s imperative to leave the detoxing process in the hands of professionals.

Below, we take a closer look at the timeline of GHB detox, what to expect during each stage, and how Primrose Lodge can guide and support you every step of the way.

1-24 hours after last dose

Withdrawal symptoms: Anxiety, sweating, tremors and insomnia.

These symptoms occur because GHB is a depressant that slows down brain function, and stopping it suddenly causes the body to overcompensate by becoming hyperactive. This stage can make you feel extremely on edge, as the effects of GHB are no longer subduing your body.

How Primrose Lodge can help: At Primrose Lodge, we provide a medically monitored detox that includes 24/7 monitoring to ensure your vital signs are stable. Our experienced medical staff can administer medication to ease anxiety and reduce the severity of tremors, allowing you to feel more comfortable as your body begins to adjust. Attempting this stage alone can increase the risk of severe anxiety or even panic attacks, making professional monitoring crucial.

24-72 hours after last dose

Withdrawal symptoms: Severe agitation, confusion, hallucinations and possibly seizures. These occur because the body is now in a state of intense hyperactivity, with the brain struggling to regain equilibrium. At this point, GHB withdrawal can become life-threatening due to the risk of seizures and severe confusion, which can make it difficult to remain coherent or safe.

How Primrose Lodge can help: At this critical stage, Primrose Lodge offers round-the-clock medical care, with medications that can help prevent seizures and manage confusion. You will also have access to a calm, secure environment where the risk of self-harm or severe agitation is significantly reduced.

3-7 days after last dose

Withdrawal symptoms: Extreme fatigue, continued insomnia, irritability and depression. This occurs as the body continues to adjust without GHB, leaving you emotionally and physically drained. The prolonged lack of sleep can exacerbate feelings of irritability and depression, making it one of the toughest stages to go through.

How Primrose Lodge can help: During this stage, Primrose Lodge offers therapeutic support to address the emotional toll withdrawal takes. You’ll have access to one-on-one counselling and holistic therapies, such as yoga and relaxation exercises, to help manage the psychological symptoms of withdrawal. In a home setting, fatigue and irritability can push you toward relapse, but with professional guidance and emotional support, you’re better equipped to handle this challenging phase.

7-14 days after last dose

Withdrawal symptoms: Ongoing depression, mood swings and cravings. These symptoms occur because your brain is still recovering from the chemical changes caused by GHB use, and the emotional imbalance can linger for some time.

How Primrose Lodge can help: At Primrose Lodge, we focus on relapse prevention during this stage. Our cognitive-behavioural therapy sessions will help you recognise and manage triggers for cravings, and our group therapy offers peer support that makes the process feel less isolating. Without professional help, the cravings and mood swings can easily lead to a relapse, but in an inpatient setting, you’ll have the tools and guidance needed to stay on track.

Beyond 14 days

Withdrawal symptoms: Some individuals may experience protracted withdrawal symptoms, such as mood instability or occasional cravings, long after the initial detox. This happens because GHB has a lasting effect on brain chemistry, and recovery can be a gradual process.

How Primrose Lodge can help: Even after detox, Primrose Lodge offers continued aftercare to help you transition into long-term recovery. We provide ongoing therapy and support groups to help you build a new life free from GHB. Trying to go it alone at this stage, without support, can leave you vulnerable to relapse, but with our long-term care, you’ll have the structure and guidance to maintain sobriety.

What are the next steps?

Struggling with GHB addiction or know someone who is? Primrose Lodge is here to help. Our compassionate team offers tailored support, from initial assessment to detox and ongoing therapy, all designed to ensure a successful recovery. GHB addiction can take a toll but you don’t have to face it alone.

Contact Primrose Lodge today to take the first step toward a healthier, addiction-free life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does GHB withdrawal last?

GHB withdrawal can last from 5 to 15 days, with symptoms peaking around 1 to 5 days after the last dose. Symptoms may include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and, in severe cases, seizures.

Can I detox from GHB at home?

Detoxing from GHB at home is not recommended, as withdrawal can be severe and dangerous. Medical monitoring is advised to manage symptoms and ensure safety during detox.

Does Primrose Lodge offer GHB addiction treatment?

Yes, Primrose Lodge offers treatment for GHB addiction, providing medically monitored detox and therapy to help individuals recover safely and effectively.

(Click here to see works cited)

Wolf CJH, Beurmanjer H, Dijkstra BAG, Geerlings AC, Spoelder M, Homberg JR, Schellekens AFA. Characterization of the GHB Withdrawal Syndrome. J Clin Med. 2021 May 26;10(11):2333. doi: 10.3390/jcm10112333. PMID: 34073640; PMCID: PMC8199158.
LeTourneau JL, Hagg DS, Smith SM. Baclofen and gamma-hydroxybutyrate withdrawal. Neurocrit Care. 2008;8(3):430-3. doi: 10.1007/s12028-008-9062-2. PMID: 18266111; PMCID: PMC2630388.