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GBL Addiction, Abuse and Rehab in Idaho

GBL Abuse, Addiction and Recovery Through Drug Rehab in Idaho

As far as party drugs go, GBL addiction and abuse is becoming a more serious problem in Idaho.

Treatment options are available to help people get off this drug, but most people do not want to get off it. This is a substance that produces a euphoric high that people want to experience again and again. That often stands as a barrier to their recoveries.

A lot of experts believe that GBL might be one of the most dangerous drugs on the planet. Those who use it often do not stop to think about what it is made from, or what it could be laced with. Instead, they take it blindly in search of their next amazing high. This is a practice that can become deadly in many cases.

It is possible to get addicted to GBL, and many people do once they have been abusing it for a while. But once a person has formed an addiction to this drug, that does not mean they have to continue to take it. The right treatment can help people recover from this addiction and go on to live happy and prosperous lives. We want to talk about those options as well as the dangers of GBL here.

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What is GBL?

GBL - or gamma-Butyrolactone - is a liquid that is a common solvent, according to Wikipedia. It has multiple, practical uses, such as: being used as a flavoring, removing superglue, as a cleaning solvent, as a paint stripper, or as a rust remover.

Unfortunately, the misuse of gamma-Butyrolactone products is much too common. This is a drug that can produce a sensation of euphoria that is very similar to ecstasy. That makes it a popular substance of abuse.

If you're abusing GBL, you may think you're doing something completely harmless. After all, it's a legal substance, and you're only using it recreationally. What you may not know is that this chemical can have serious effects on you. In some cases, it may even be fatal.

Is GBL a Controlled Substance?

According to the Department of Justice, this drug has been placed on List I of the Controlled Substances Act. However, that does not mean that it's illegal. It's a drug that was identified as being used to make GHB, which is an illicit drug. Anyone who handles GBL must be registered with the DEA.

While it's good that some regulation is in place, this hasn't done much to stop the growth of this problem. It's possible to find it for sale online quite easily. It's also available on the street. If one looks hard enough, finding gamma-Butyrolactone suppliers is fairly simple. In fact, it's a substance that's even available on e-Bay or on other online retailer websites.

GBL Drug Abuse

People who abuse GBL are looking for a quick way to get high. They may or may not be familiar with GBH, which is another common drug. The effects are between the drugs are similar.

Any misuse of this substance is considered to be abuse. This is because gamma-Butyrolactone has very specific uses that don't include ingestion. Users will typically mix it with orange juice, water, or another liquid and then drink it. When it is diluted, it doesn't have much of a taste or odor.

The World Health Organization states that the potential for abusing GBL is very high. However, they state that no human studies have been conducted due to the dangerous nature of it.

The high from GBL is very similar to what is experienced when taking MDMA, or ecstasy. Online forums like Bluelight and Erowid are filled with people who typically use it. They state that it's much more bioavailable than GHB. It takes less to get high, and it acts much faster. However, the effects don't linger quite as long.

The high with GBL is intoxicating and euphoric. However, it's very easy to take too much. Doing so can have serious consequences, which can even include death.

Using this substance even once can have devastating consequences. New users can never be sure of how they will respond when taking it. They could inadvertently take too much and suffer from:

  • The shutting down of vital brain functions
  • Slower breathing, or even the cessation of breathing
  • A dangerously low blood pressure
  • A dangerously low heart rate
  • Low body temperature, even to the point of hypothermia

Respiratory depression and a slower heart rate can lead to death. Even experienced users run the risk of fatal consequences when using this substance.

Is There a Way to Take GBL Safely?

Even though this is a very dangerous chemical, there are those who insist on using it. Each time they do, they put themselves at risk. However, harm reduction techniques are available, and you need to know how to use it safely.

GBL is sold as colourless oily liquid, capsules, but this is rare and as powder or paste, but this is also rare

You can do so by following some very strict guidelines, such as:

  • Always make sure you're using it in a familiar place, with people you know.
  • Never accept any drink containing GBL from someone else, even a friend.
  • Use a pipette to measure how much you're using. This will reduce your risks.
  • Avoid using alcohol or any other drugs when using gamma-Butyrolactone.
  • Always start with a very small amount and then increase it. This applies even if you have been using it for quite some time.

Please note that this advice in no way means that we approve of using GBL. We do not. However, our goal is to ensure that those who do wish to abuse it will use extreme caution when doing so.

Can You Get Addicted to Gamma-Butyrolactone?

Yes, with repeated abuse of this drug, it is possible to form an addiction to it. Because it has gained the title of being a party drug, people tend to think they can't get addicted. However, research on GBL has shown that an addiction is possible.

Addictions to this drug form because people consistently abuse it over time. It causes increased dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. As a result, the brain stops creating these chemicals on its own. Without them, people don't feel like themselves. An addiction has occurred at that point.

Once you're a GBL addict, the only solution is to get professional treatment. Getting help gives you the best chance of successfully recovering. It also helps you avoid a relapse, which could be fatal.

It should be fairly easy for you to tell if you or a loved one has become addicted to this drug. The signs of addiction are very easy to spot. They can include:

  • Experiencing feelings of anxiety, both when you're using and when you're not
  • Going through withdrawal when you're not able to use
  • Not being able to stop using the drug successfully on your own
  • Becoming obsessed with thoughts of GBL (example: making sure you always have enough on hand)
  • Making this substance the top priority in your life

It's common for people to remain in denial, even after they suspect they have an addiction. If you're still not sure, taking an addiction quiz can help you understand your situation.

If you do think you're addicted, please get help right away. You may have not intended to become an addict at all. However, accidental addictions are quite common.

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Are People Really Abusing GBL in Idaho?

Yes, they are, and the situation is only getting worse as time goes on. While this drug is the most popular one in Idaho, its popularity is growing. More people are using it as a party drug or even as a date rape drug than ever before.

In March of 2017, a 27-year-old man from Boise was sentenced to one year of probation for the unlawful possession of GBL. His sentence included six months of home detention, community service and a $1,000 fine.

The man was arrested after a package was intercepted for him from Hong Kong. It was declared at customs as paint tools, but that is not what was inside. When it was opened, authorities found a bottle of liquid GBL that he was smuggling into the country.

When asked about it, the man admitted that he was purchasing the drug. He also admitted to knowing that it was illegal in the United States.

There is no telling how often this is happening all across Idaho. Once a drug is labeled a party drug, it seems to gain instant popularity. We have no doubt that in the months and years to come, even more stories will surface about GBL and its dangers.



Know This Chemical's Side Effects

Like other drugs, GBL has some serious side effects. You will begin to experience them with your very first use of this drug. If you continue to use it, its effects will become much more serious.

When taking a smaller dose of GBL, you're likely to feel very calm and relaxed. This is what most people are looking for when they use it. However, the effects will intensify when you use a stronger dose.

Continuing to use this drug will result in serious consequences, even in the short-term. It's typical for people to experience:

  • Excessive sleepiness
  • Feeling dizzy
  • Confusion or brain fog
  • Muscle spasms in the body
  • Nausea and vomiting

The long-term side effects of GBL are quite serious. There is a long list of them, and they can include:

  • Significant damage to the teeth
  • Problems with the digestive system
  • Excessive vomiting
  • Bouts of amnesia
  • The risk of convulsions or seizures
  • Extremely aggressive behavior
  • Becoming unconscious or even going into a coma

There is a reason why this drug is sometimes referred to as a "Coma in a Bottle." It should never be used, even in the short-term. When people use it long-term, they are definitely putting their lives at risk.

The Dangers Associated with GBL Poisoning and Overdose

The CDC has reported several cases of poisoning from gamma-Butyrolactone. These patients consumed between 2.7 and 13 ounces of this substance. In some, it was used with alcohol or with other drugs.

The adverse events that were reported included:

  • Becoming unconscious
  • Developing seizures
  • Problems with coordination
  • Quickly alternating between being calm and becoming highly aggressive
  • Extremely low pulse rates
  • Severe respiratory depression
  • Involuntary muscle movements
  • Fecal incontinence
  • Cardiac arrest

Overdosing on GBL can have similar effects on the body. Typically, people overdose because they try to stop using it, and then relapse. However, this isn't always the case. It is possible to inadvertently consume too much of it in one sitting. If this is the case, an overdose is the result.

Both overdosing on this drug and being poisoned by it can be fatal. This is something to keep in mind if you're a current user or addict.

Gamma-Butyrolactone Information You May Not Have Known

There is so much about gamma-Butyrolactone that you probably didn't know.

For instance, were you aware that:

  • Many people actually make this substance in their homes?
  • There are GBL recipes readily available online?
  • It is commonly used by body builders because it helps to build muscle?
  • Whether in powdered or liquid form, gamma-Butyrolactone can lead to serious liver or kidney damage?
  • This substance is being studied for medicinal purposes, and is considered a supplement in some parts of the world?

What to do if You're Addicted

If you have a GBL addiction, the worst thing you could do is try to recover on your own. You will go through withdrawals, and they can eventually lead you to a deadly relapse. You may be able to find many home remedies online that all promise to assist you. However, this is something that is better left to professionals who understand the addiction.

What to Expect with Gamma-Butyrolactone Treatment and Detox

Professional GBL treatment is necessary for addicts to successfully recover, given the dangerous nature of this drug. Depending on the nature of your addiction, you may need to go through a detoxification treatment first.

Drug detox is a process that helps your body go through withdrawal. It works by controlling your symptoms and helping to make your recovery more comfortable.

It's actually assisting with the physical part of the addiction, which can be very strong. You may be given medications to help with your symptoms. However, it is possible for secondary addictions to occur with this method.

Many experts believe that holistic detox might be more beneficial. This process involves dietary changes, physical exercise and other methods to remove toxins from the drug. The right option will be discussed with you prior to treatment.

How to Find the Best Drug Treatment Program in Idaho

There are a lot of options for addiction treatment in Idaho, but not all of them have higher than average success rates. It is not good enough to do a quick search and choose the first rehab that comes up on the results. People who want to recover should be diligent in finding a quality program that they can trust.

  • Are in-network with multiple insurance companies to help keep costs as low as possible for their customers.
  • Are accredited by The Joint Commission for excellence in addiction treatment.
  • Use only the most modern treatment methods available.
  • Never offer their services unless they are certain that the patient will benefit from them. When needed, they refer for additional or different services.
  • Are small enough to maximize the amount of time that clients get to spend with staff members.

Information About Ashwood Recovery’s Outpatient Rehab Program

Ashwood Recovery has an excellent outpatient addiction treatment program. We have helped many people who were addicted to GBL. We know that our clients need a targeted approach to recovery that is based on their individual needs. That is what we strive to do for anyone who comes to us for help.

We offer three levels of care as a way to help us meet our clients needs more efficiently. We recommend them for either intensive outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization or outpatient rehab. Some of our clients will begin with partial hospitalization and work their way through the other levels as they progress.

Our staff members are dedicated to providing our clients with the type of care that results in long-term success.

Health insurance companies are required to provide benefits for drug treatment because of The Affordable Care Act. This healthcare law changed the addiction treatment industry for the better. It made it possible for more people to get the help they need.

At Ashwood Recovery, we are in-network with many of the best insurance companies in Idaho. They include Aetna, Blue Cross of Idaho and many others. This helps us keep out-of-pocket costs as low as possible.

Find Out More About GBL Addiction, Abuse and Rehab Centers in Idaho

At Ashwood Recovery, we want people to know that we understand the challenges they are facing. We know how hard it is to recover from an addiction successfully, and we are here to provide much-needed support.

GBL is a dangerous drug, and the sooner you quit taking it, the better. With professional treatment, you can leave this addiction behind for good. Our program offers the type of support that helps people learn how to live their lives without being addicted. This is something that people desperately need if they want to stop using.

Do you have questions about GBL abuse or addiction? Would you like to learn more about your treatment options in Idaho? Please contact us.

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