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.
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.
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.
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:
Respiratory depression and a slower heart rate can lead to death. Even experienced users run the risk of fatal consequences when using this substance.
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.
You can do so by following some very strict guidelines, such as:
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.
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:
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.
Many insurance companies will cover 100% of the cost of outpatient treatment. Call today and find out if your plan qualifies. We can also help with financing. (208) 906-0782
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.
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:
The long-term side effects of GBL are quite serious. There is a long list of them, and they can include:
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 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.
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.
There is so much about gamma-Butyrolactone that you probably didn't know.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We have two facilities in Idaho, and they are located in Nampa and Boise. 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.
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.
Our admissions coordinators are here to help you get started with treatment the right way. They'll verify your health insurance, help set up travel arrangements, and make sure your transition into treatment is smooth and hassle-free.
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