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GHB for Alcohol
GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid): Medical Uses, Alcohol Withdrawal, and Street Names
GHB for Alcoholism
In some countries, pharmaceutical GHB (as sodium oxybate) is used under medical supervision to help treat alcohol dependence. For example, a liquid GHB formulation (Alcover®) is approved in Italy and Austria to reduce withdrawal symptoms and maintain abstinence in alcohol dependencepubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Clinical trials suggest it can increase days of sobriety and reduce craving. A review found sodium oxybate was “at least as effective as naltrexone or disulfiram in the maintenance of abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients”pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. In practice, these treatments are given only in a controlled setting, with doctors monitoring dose and use. This is very different from illicit use; misuse of GHB on one’s own carries serious risks.
GHB for Alcohol Withdrawal
Sodium oxybate has also been studied for easing alcohol withdrawal. Research shows that supervised GHB therapy can rapidly relieve withdrawal symptoms. In fact, one review reported that sodium oxybate was “at least as effective as diazepam” (a common benzodiazepine) for acute alcohol withdrawalpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. In randomized trials it reduced anxiety, tremors, and other withdrawal signs about as well as standard sedatives (e.g. diazepam or clomethiazole)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Studies often use doses around 50 mg/kg (divided 3–4 times per day) during detox. When given by specialists at the approved dose, the abuse risk of sodium oxybate is lowpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. However, doctors note it must be used strictly under supervision, especially because GHB itself can be addictive. Certain patients (for example, those with other substance addictions or some psychiatric conditions) may not be good candidates for GHB therapy because of higher misuse riskpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
What Is Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid?
Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a central nervous system depressant and a short-chain fatty acid related to GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. It occurs naturally in the body in small amounts and has medical and illicit forms. Medically, GHB’s sodium salt (sodium oxybate) is prescribed under brand names like Xyrem® (and Xywav®) to treat narcolepsy – a sleep disorder involving excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden muscle weakness (cataplexy). The U.S. FDA has approved Xyrem to improve daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in narcolepsy patientsdea.gov. These medications are tightly controlled (Schedule III in the U.S.) and given only in specific doses with doctor oversight.
Outside of approved uses, GHB is illegal in most countries. It is commonly known as a “club drug” or “party drug”, and it gained notoriety as a date-rape drug because it is colorless, odorless, and can cause rapid unconsciousnessaafp.org. Even a small amount can make someone blackout or lose muscle controlaafp.org. Because GHB is a powerful CNS depressant, mixing it with alcohol or other sedatives greatly increases the risk of slowed breathing, coma, or death. In overdose, GHB can indeed cause coma and deathdea.gov. Regular misuse of GHB leads to physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms can include severe insomnia, anxiety, tremors, high blood pressure, and even psychotic symptomsdea.gov. There is no simple antidote for GHB overdose or withdrawal, so treatment must be done by medical professionals.
What Are the Street Names for GHB?
GHB is often sold under many slang names, reflecting its illicit market. Common street names include:
- Easy Laydea.gov
- G (simply the letter “G”)
- Georgia Home Boydea.gov
- Goop
- Grievous Bodily Harm
- Liquid Ecstasy
- Liquid X
- Scoop
These names are documented by law enforcement sources (e.g. the U.S. DEA)dea.gov. Some sellers also promote GHB analogues (like GBL or 1,4-butanediol) under legitimate-sounding labels (e.g. “cleaners” or “bath salts”), since those chemicals convert into GHB in the bodydea.gov.
Compliance Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not encourage or endorse the use of GHB or any controlled substances. All medical use of GHB (sodium oxybate) should occur only under strict professional supervision. If you have questions about addiction treatment, consult qualified medical or addiction professionals.
