GBL Withdrawal Should Be Medically Monitored

The withdrawal from any addictive drug can be life threatening, especially if the withdrawal occurs outside of a certified doctor’s care. According to a recent Medical News Today report, this is especially true if the individual is trying to overcome an addiction to GBL.

GBL is a popular party drug that is often a preferred substance among the party crowd in the UK. Addiction to the drug can be swift and the withdrawal process can be severe, requiring extensive medication and monitoring. GBL (gamma butyrolactone) is an industrial solvent used to degrease engines, remove stains, and strip wood. In the body it changes to GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), a potent central nervous system depressant.

Dr. James Bell is the head of the party Drugs Clinic at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. He believes that withdrawal from GBL should be viewed as a medical emergency.

Bell has conducted extensive research into GBL dependence and withdrawal, even writing a report on the subject. In this report, Bell argues that “round-the-clock” users can experience life-threatening situations when withdrawing from GBL. As a result, these individuals need immediate treatment that uses appropriate medications.

This is a key focus for Bell as health care professionals seem to be well aware of the dependence and withdrawal issues that surround drugs such as heroin and alcohol. It is often assumed that party drugs do not have the same addictive qualities and therefore the withdrawal process is often not monitored or medicated.

When interviewed, most of the users at Bell’s clinic downplayed the dangers associated with GBL and other party drugs. Where GBL is concerned, most users begin occasional use to achieve social confidence, facilitate sexual activity and to treat insomnia. Occasional use quickly develops into around the cloud dependence that requires treatment to overcome.
 

GBL Withdrawal Should Be Medically Monitored is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment

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