GHB Addiction Treatment Centre at The Cabin Chiang Mai

Effective Treatment Options for GHB Addiction

GHB addiction is not as common as other drugs like Heroin or Cocaine, but it’s more prevalent than one might think. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a central nervous system depressant and is considered a club drug. Its most common form is an odourless, colourless liquid that may be combined with alcohol or taken on its own.

For mild cases, outpatient treatment is an option, allowing individuals to maintain their daily obligations. However, for those unable to function in daily life, we recommend inpatient treatment. The duration of our inpatient rehab programme varies based on the severity of the addiction, with clients typically staying for at least a month, and extended stays of up to 12 weeks are common.

What is GHB?

GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid) is a dangerous depressant drug. It comes as a powder or liquid and has street names like “Liquid Ecstasy.” It’s known for causing memory loss and increasing vulnerability, making it a risk for date rape. Because it’s easy to make, GHB is cheap and available. GHB is highly addictive and classified as a Schedule 1 drug. It’s commonly abused at parties and by bodybuilders who mistakenly believe it helps muscle growth.

Is GHB addictive?

GHB can be addictive. People who use GHB for a long time can develop a tolerance to the drug, meaning they need to take more and more of it to get the same effects. This can lead to dependence, where people feel they need to take the drug to function normally. People who are dependent on GHB can experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it, such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. These withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening.

Addiction Effects and Risks of GHB Usage

The addictive effects of GHB depend on the size of the dose. When take in small doses, individuals can feel instant relief from their depression or anxiety while others may experience drowsiness and euphoria. Still others can display aggressive behaviour or have visual hallucinations. Some of the common effects of high GHB doses include:

The effects of GHB usage can worsen when combined with other illicit substances such as ecstasy, cocaine, alcohol or marijuana. However, GHB usage can be fatal even without other drugs. High doses of the drug may result in severe respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, intense seizures and death.

Individuals who have been taking GHB for long periods of time—whether as prescribed by a doctor or recreationally—can experience a wide variety of symptoms, including:

Does GHB detox need medical supervision? 

At The Cabin, we prioritise your safety and well-being throughout your treatment journey. That’s why we offer a supervised detox programme right here on-site, at no extra cost to you. Our dedicated medical staff will be there for you, ensuring your comfort and security.

Why Choose The Cabin Chiang Mai Residential Rehab for GHB Treatment?

The Cabin Chiang Mai boasts a team of Western-trained counsellors with extensive experience tackling GHB addiction and other substance abuse disorders. Their proven approach combines mindfulness therapy, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), and personalized relapse prevention plans to equip you for long-term recovery. This comprehensive program offers a safe, effective, and affordable path to overcoming compulsive drug use.

The Benefits of Inpatient Therapy for GHB Addiction

24-Hour Care

We keep our clients safe by having clinical and medical staff members working around the clock. If you do not feel well, you can always get immediate medical care.

Comprehensive Treatment Programme

We want our clients to feel their best. The Cabin Chiang Mai offers beneficial therapies such as drama therapy, art classes, yoga classes, physical fitness classes and many more.

Is GHB Addiction Treatment Covered by Insurance?

Typically covered by medical insurance policies meaning you may be able to use your primary medical insurance policy or supplemental health insurance policy to pay for your treatment. If you are younger than 26 years, your treatments may be covered by your parents’ insurance plans. It is important that you check if the insurance policies cover a part or the entire cost of the rehab programme. The Cabin Chiang Mai works with a number of different insurance companies, contact us today to see how we can help you.

More Information About Gamma-hydroxybutyrate

GHB is a highly addictive depressant with severe withdrawal symptoms. Its past association as solely a “date rape drug” downplays the widespread misuse for sleep, weight loss, and mood enhancement. This frequent dosing pattern quickly leads to addiction, often within weeks.

Despite perceived benefits, GHB users experience drastic behavioural changes including head snaps, blackouts, and twitching, often without recollection. These episodes highlight the dangers of GHB dependence that a treatment program can address.