GBL rehab

Written by:

Dale Conlon

Last Updated:

May 7th, 2024

GBL addiction treatment can be a potentially life-changing experience. It can help you overcome dependency in the immediate term and build solid foundations for lifelong recovery. At Sanctuary Lodge, GBL addiction treatment is a three-step process that addresses the various underlying causes, symptoms and harms of GBL addiction. Each step is designed to complement and build upon the others for a holistic path to health and sobriety. Understanding these steps and what to expect from treatment can provide the confidence and motivation to take charge of your life and begin the journey of healing.

Step one: GBL detox

The journey to recovery begins with detox, a critical first step that confronts the physical grip of the substance on the body. Regular use of GBL can cause your brain to rely on its presence to maintain neurotransmitter balance, leading to tolerance and physical dependence. GBL detox aims to break this physical dependence, cleanse the body of toxins and safely manage the acute GBL withdrawal symptoms that occur when you stop using the drug. This allows the body to begin healing and prepares you for the next stage of treatment.

Potential GBL withdrawal symptoms

GBL withdrawal can manifest a wide range of symptoms due to the drug’s profound impact on the body’s neurological and physiological systems. These GBL withdrawal symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening conditions which is why medical supervision during detox is so important. Potential GBL withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Anxiety and panic attacks: You may experience heightened anxiety, panic attacks and general unrest, often without a clear trigger.
  • Insomnia: Difficulty in falling or staying asleep is common, contributing to overall distress and discomfort during GBL withdrawal.
  • Tremors: Involuntary shaking, especially in the hands, can occur due to the nervous system’s response to the absence of GBL.
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure: These are due to the cardiovascular stress caused by GBL withdrawal.
  • Hallucinations: Some people may experience visual or auditory hallucinations, a particularly distressing symptom that requires immediate medical attention.
  • Seizures: Seizures represent one of the most severe GBL withdrawal symptoms, posing significant health risks without proper medical supervision.
  • Muscle spasms and pain: GBL withdrawal can trigger muscle spasms and even pain which can be uncomfortable and may require medical help.

GBL withdrawal timeline

The process of withdrawing from GBL, while unique to each person, follows a general timeline that can help frame expectations and prepare for the journey ahead. The timeline typically unfolds over several stages, from the initial onset of symptoms to their eventual resolution:

  • First 24 hours: GBL withdrawal symptoms can begin as early as a few hours after the last dose and often include anxiety, restlessness and tremors.
  • Day 2-3: As your body continues to adjust to the absence of GBL, withdrawal symptoms may intensify. This period can see the emergence of more severe symptoms such as increased heart rate, blood pressure fluctuations and insomnia.
  • Day 4-7: This is often considered the peak of GBL withdrawal, where individuals may experience the full spectrum of symptoms. In the most rare, severe cases, this could include potential hallucinations, seizures and severe psychological distress.
  • Week 2 onwards: While the most acute physical symptoms typically begin to subside after the first week, psychological symptoms such as cravings, depression and anxiety can persist. These require ongoing support and treatment to manage effectively.

The benefits of GBL detox at Sanctuary Lodge

Sanctuary Lodge offers a specialised and supportive setting that provides various benefits for comfort and safety during GBL detox:

Inpatient treatment
Inpatient GBL detox ensures that you are in a safe and controlled environment away from potential triggers and the availability of GBL. This significantly reduces the risk of relapse during the drug detox phase and provides a stable foundation for the initial steps of recovery.
Comprehensive medical evaluation and detox plan
Upon arrival, you will undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation. This is crucial for tailoring your GBL detox plan to meet your specific needs, the severity of your drug addiction and any co-occurring mental health issues.
Medication (if necessary)
If you experience severe GBL withdrawal, Sanctuary Lodge will provide medication-assisted treatment under strict medical supervision. This approach can ease the discomfort of withdrawal, prevent complications and help you focus on recovery.

Step 2: GBL rehab treatment

After detox, Sanctuary Lodge offers access to a comprehensive GBL rehab programme that addresses the psychological aspects of dependency. This is delivered in an inpatient setting where you will be shielded from GBL triggers and everyday stressors, allowing you to put all your energy and efforts into recovery.

The primary goals of GBL rehab are to help you understand the root causes of your GBL use, develop new coping mechanisms and meet recovery peers and rehab professionals to form a support network.

The benefits of GBL rehab at Sanctuary Lodge

Sanctuary Lodge’s immersive environment, combined with expert care, enables deep and lasting change. This will help you overcome dependency on GBL in the short term and empower you to live a fulfilling and healthy life.

The benefits of GBL rehab at Sanctuary Lodge include:

  • An inpatient recovery environment
  • Round-the-clock professional support
  • A community of staff and recovery peers
  • Comprehensive care and personal development
  • A wide range of GBL rehab therapies
  • Free aftercare for one year and lifetime access to our Alumni Network

GBL rehab therapy at Sanctuary Lodge

At Sanctuary Lodge, the GBL rehab programme is carefully designed to encompass a wide range of therapies, combining traditional, evidence-based approaches with innovative, holistic treatments. This comprehensive blend ensures that the psychological underpinnings of GBL use and addiction are addressed, to give you the best chance of recovery. Just some of the therapies we provide include:

Group therapy
Group therapy sessions provide a supportive environment where you can share experiences, challenges and successes. Led by an experienced therapist, these sessions promote a sense of community, reduce feelings of isolation and encourage mutual support and understanding among participants.
One-to-one therapy
Personal therapy sessions allow for individualised attention from a therapist, focusing on your specific needs and issues. This setting offers a private space to explore deep-rooted emotional issues, trauma and the personal factors contributing to GBL use and dependency.
Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)
DBT is a highly effective treatment modality to enhance distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness skills. Through DBT, individuals recognise triggers, cope with cravings, and cultivate healthier coping mechanisms, fostering long-term recovery from GBL addiction.
Holistic therapies
Sanctuary Lodge incorporates a range of holistic therapies such as art therapy, sound therapy and meditation. These therapies offer alternative ways to express emotions, reduce stress and achieve a sense of calm and balance, complementing the more traditional therapeutic approaches.
Family therapy
Sanctuary Lodge recognises that GBL addiction affects not just you as an individual but also your family and close relationships. Family therapy sessions can help repair and strengthen these relationships, improving communication and understanding and providing a supportive network for recovery.

By addressing the psychological aspects through these varied therapies, the GBL rehab programme at Sanctuary Lodge offers a robust foundation for lasting sobriety and personal growth.

Step 3: GBL relapse prevention

Relapse prevention is a crucial component of the GBL recovery process as it focuses on sustaining long-term sobriety. Sanctuary Lodge places a strong emphasis on relapse prevention planning as part of its comprehensive GBL rehab programme and you will be assisted in creating your own plan before leaving our centre.

Some key strategies include: Here are key elements and advice for relapse prevention:

  • Trigger awareness and management: This means being able to identify potential triggers, outline strategies for dealing with GBL cravings and creating a list of supportive contacts you can reach out to during difficult times.
  • Joining support groups and organisations: Joining local support groups like Narcotics Anonymous or taking part in our Alumni events can all provide a platform for sharing experiences and receiving encouragement, significantly reducing the risk of relapse.
  • Taking part in aftercare: Sanctuary Lodge offers all clients one year of free weekly group therapy sessions as part of our aftercare programme. Engaging in aftercare services is essential for reinforcing the skills learned during rehab and maintaining focus on recovery goals.
  • Develop healthy coping mechanisms: Learning and practising healthy coping mechanisms for stress, such as exercise, meditation or engaging in hobbies, can offer positive alternatives to GBL use when faced with challenging situations.
  • Strengthening your support network: A strong support network of friends, family and peers who understand the recovery journey can offer invaluable encouragement and accountability.

By incorporating these strategies into daily life, you can build a strong foundation for a resilient, long-term recovery and significantly reduce the likelihood of GBL relapse.

Begin GBL rehab with Sanctuary Lodge

Taking the first step towards recovery from GBL addiction is a significant and courageous decision. At Sanctuary Lodge, we understand the challenges of overcoming GBL addiction and are here to support you through every step of your journey. If you or someone you love is struggling, contact us today to find out more about how we can help.

FAQ’s

Will I suffer from GBL withdrawal?
If you have been using GBL regularly and decide to stop, you will likely experience some form of GBL withdrawal. However, the severity and duration of GBL withdrawal symptoms can vary widely depending on factors such as how long you have been using the drug, the amounts you’ve used and your overall health. It is always important to approach GBL withdrawal under the guidance of medical professionals to ensure safety and receive support through the process.
Do I need to detox from GBL if I want to get treatment?
Yes, detoxification is a crucial first step in GBL addiction treatment. GBL detox helps to safely manage withdrawal symptoms and cleanse your body of the drug, creating a stable foundation for the treatment that follows. Undertaking GBL detox in a medically supervised environment, like Sanctuary Lodge, ensures that you have the necessary medical and emotional support to navigate withdrawal safely and comfortably, setting you up for a successful recovery journey.