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How we treat GHB addiction
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What is GHB?
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What are the signs?
How we treat GHB addiction
At HARP Private Rehab, we’re here to help you overcome GHB addiction, no matter how overwhelming it may seem. Our approach is compassionate, practical, and free of judgment. We’ll support you every step of the way, providing the tools you need to withdraw safely, manage your symptoms, and address the deeper issues behind your addiction.
What is GHB?
GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate) is a central nervous system depressant which produces a relaxing effect similar to alcohol. It is also known as ‘Liquid Ecstasy’ and ‘G’. In high doses, it can result in an inability to move, blackouts and memory loss. Such effects have led to it being used in sexual assaults. As it is colourless and odourless, it is easy to add to drinks without detection. In smaller doses, its effects are similar to a stimulant, producing euphoria, energy and sociability. Once taken, the effects of GHB kick in within around 15–30 minutes and last for up to 6 hours.
GHB drastically increases the amount of dopamine running through our brain and central nervous system, which is why GHB can be highly addictive. Over time, our brains can come to rely on the drug for dopamine, such that the absence of GHB will lead to increasingly lower levels of dopamine. GHB can also create a physical dependency that is similar in both severity and risk to that of benzodiazepines or alcohol. As such, GHB abuse can lead to numerous withdrawal symptoms and other negative side effects.
At HARP Private Rehab, we combine medical, psychological, and personalised care to treat GHB addiction in a truly holistic way. We’re proud to be the only clinic in the world that addresses co-occurring conditions and explores every possible root cause of addiction. This approach allows us to help you achieve meaningful recovery in weeks, not months or years.
What are the signs?
Similar to many other addictions, the most notable sign of GHB dependency is continuing to use the substance despite its negative consequences on your life. Other symptoms include:
- Being unable to stop using GHB despite wanting to quit.
- Becoming tolerant to GHB, meaning you need increasingly larger doses of GHB to achieve the same high.
- Feeling you need the drug to feel “normal”.
- Being fixated on obtaining and taking GHB.
- Neglecting responsibilities, like work or your family, in favour of taking GHB.
- Physical withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, nausea, vomiting and tremors.
- Psychological withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, confusion, delirium and hallucinations.
What are the physical symptoms of GHB addiction?
- Dizziness.
- Feeling faint.
- Seizures.
- Inability to move.
- Incoherent speech/inability to speak.
What are the physiological symptoms of GHB addiction?
- Memory loss.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Blackouts.
- Memory loss.
- Agitation.
What are the behavioural symptoms of GHB addiction?
- Loss of inhibitions.
- Impulsive behaviour.
- Avoiding contact with loved ones.
- Being secretive about GHB use.
- Feeling as though GHB has taken over your life.
If these signs sound familiar, we can help guide you toward recovery.
Our approach considers the whole person: mind, body and soul
Our GHB addiction treatment takes a multidisciplinary approach, addressing all the underlying causes of dependency. When you arrive, we’ll carry out a thorough assessment to understand the physical, medical, and psychological aspects of your addiction. If needed, we’ll guide you through a safe, medically supervised withdrawal, overseen by our psychiatrist and supported 24/7 by our clinical team.
After your detox, we’ll provide the therapies and treatments necessary to help you understand the root causes of your GHB addiction. Our focus is on uncovering the underlying factors that led to the addiction, whether they’re physical, emotional, or psychological. We’ll work to restore any imbalances and support your long-term recovery through a combination of therapies, including biofeedback, nutritional therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), sleep therapies, acupuncture, and art therapy.
Alongside addressing the root causes of addiction, we also focus on its wider impact, such as neurological or physical damage often caused by substance use. These are treated in parallel to the underlying factors that contribute to addiction. Our approach integrates intensive psychotherapy, biochemical restoration, and complementary therapies, with the shared aim of reducing stress and supporting your recovery.
15+ team members, all dedicated to your health and well-being
We are the only residential drug treatment centre in the world to provide a minimum of 15 dedicated professionals to each client.
Guiding you through the GHB withdrawal process and all other treatments is a team of more than 15 experts. You will be counting on the unparalleled support of world-renowned doctors, therapists and addiction specialists. A key member of this team is a live-in therapist who can offer emotional support 24/7 throughout your entire stay. Together, they provide around-the-clock treatment to give you the best chance of long-term recovery. No matter the unique blend of treatments you receive, they will be delivered with the Swiss medical excellence we are known for.
Comprehensive programmes as unique as you are
We tailor-make our intensive and holistic treatment programmes to suit your specific needs. Each programme is guided by our principles of pragmatism and empathy to provide you with a completely individualised treatment programme that works for you and fits in with your life.
We can provide treatment for GHB addiction and any co-occurring dependencies and mental health conditions at our discrete drug addiction treatment centre in Zurich.
