Approximately 11.7% of Americans use illegal drugs and struggle with addiction each year. Many of these individuals don’t seek treatment, either unaware that a problem exists or of the treatment options available to them.
Addiction is a lifelong disease, but that doesn’t mean treatment can’t radically change your life. If you’re struggling with GHB addiction and need help, you have various treatment options when enrolling in a GHB addiction treatment center. Learn more about the substance, how it affects the body and what you can do to overcome addiction and reclaim your life.
When a person becomes addicted to GHB, they’ll exhibit noticeable signs. Use these symptoms to decide whether it’s time to get help. Some of the signs of GHB dependence and addiction include:
A person with a GHB addiction will also exhibit various physical and mental symptoms, including:
Most people won’t experience all of these symptoms at once. GHB can present differently in some people, and they may appear to be using alcohol or ecstasy. If you’ve ruled out both substances, GHB might be the culprit.
Addiction is a complex disease that causes changes in the brain and has several underlying causes. GHB addiction can arise from a single cause or a combination of risk factors, which include:
Having one or more of these influential factors doesn’t automatically mean you’ll become addicted to substances such as GHB. However, these risk factors can cause an individual to depend on the substance. If you or a loved one has multiple risk factors for addiction, it’s essential to stay aware of how using a drug even once can spiral into a dangerous addiction.
If you or a loved one are trying to determine if it’s time for GHB addiction treatment, you can look for some signs to determine whether treatment is necessary. Consider the following when deciding about professional treatment:
GHB addiction treatment has multiple elements to help you achieve sobriety. Here are the types of treatments you can expect from professional addiction treatment at a rehabilitation facility.
The first step towards recovery from GHB addiction is detoxing from the substance. There are severe withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting GHB, such as tachycardia, erratic breathing and hallucinations. Professional treatment programs can help you overcome the withdrawal symptoms and feel more comfortable.
One of the ways you can find comfort through withdrawal is medication-assisted treatment. These programs use medications to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms and start recovery safely. Before you can begin medication-assisted treatment, you’ll go through an assessment with an addiction specialist. They’ll determine the severity of your addiction and what type of medication would best suit your needs.
The medication used in these programs can have multiple purposes. During the first stage of treatment, medication-assisted treatment can help you overcome your withdrawal symptoms or trick your body into thinking that you’re still taking GHB. Medication can also prevent certain substances from affecting you, making it less desirable to continue using GHB. Medication-assisted treatment is also used during relapse to help sustain long-term sobriety.
Depending on the severity of your addiction, you may need residential inpatient treatment. Inpatient care is ideal for individuals who don’t live in a sober or safe environment and need constant medical supervision to help with their detox. When you stay at a residential addiction treatment facility, you won’t have access to substances like you would in the outside world. You can recover away from outside influences, allowing you to detox from GHB.
You’ll also have access to 24/7 medical care and supervision. If you experience any uncomfortable symptoms or feelings, you can speak with a professional anytime for assistance. Another benefit of inpatient care is the structure it provides. Patients have a daily routine to follow, limiting the number of decisions to make each day. Routine and structure make it easier for patients to stay on track and focus on their recovery. You’ll also form positive habits that can help you once you reenter sober society.
One of the most significant benefits of inpatient care is that individuals have access to everything they need in one convenient location. You’ll receive personalized care to suit your individual needs and ensure that recovery is possible.
Inpatient treatment generally lasts 30, 60 or 90 days, depending on the severity of your addiction. Many people will transition to a lower intensity of care once they finish inpatient treatment to continue their recovery journey and sustain their sobriety.
Outpatient care is another option for individuals seeking treatment for GHB addiction. Outpatient care has many of the same treatment types as inpatient care, but individuals return home at the end of the day. This treatment is best for individuals with a safe and sober home environment. Individuals with outside responsibilities, such as childcare or work, are also excellent candidates for outpatient care.
The different levels of outpatient treatment include:
Outpatient care is generally more affordable than inpatient care. For those with limited coverage or expecting to pay for treatment out-of-pocket, outpatient care can be an excellent option to help you achieve sobriety without the overhead costs associated with inpatient treatment.
The main benefit of outpatient care is the flexibility of treatment. Depending on your needs and schedule, you can attend meetings during the day, afternoon or evening. You can take care of your responsibilities and recover from addiction simultaneously. You’ll also have access to your support network outside of treatment, such as family members and friends who can support you through your recovery journey.
Detox and therapy are just a part of the addiction recovery process. Addiction is a lifelong disease, and relapse prevention can help you sustain your sobriety long after professional treatment. These programs can help you manage life stressors and triggers so you don’t fall back into old habits or rely on substances to cope.
The first step of the relapse prevention process is meeting with an addiction specialist to discuss your history with GHB. They’ll help you determine what triggers your substance use, such as family or work stress. Once you’ve identified your triggers, you’ll work with a professional to outline your potential responses.
For example, if a conflict with your family triggers your desire to use GHB, you’ll work on skills you can use instead of substance use. These skills include coping mechanisms such as meditating, journaling, exercise, yoga or art therapy. You’ll find the best method for you and apply it when you feel uncomfortable or stressed.
Part of relapse prevention also includes listing the members of your support group and their contact information, including family members, friends or peers from your community. You can call or talk to these individuals when you feel close to a relapse. They can help remind you why it’s essential to stay dedicated to sobriety and help you hold yourself accountable.
When you enter professional treatment for GHB addiction, you’ll follow a step-by-step process to help you achieve sobriety. Learn about the steps to know what you can expect from professional treatment.
The first step of the addiction treatment process is the addiction assessment, which will help determine the intensity of your treatment. You’ll meet with an addiction specialist who will ask you specific questions to determine the severity of your addiction, including:
While some of these questions may be uncomfortable to answer, it’s essential to be truthful about your experience with GHB so the addiction specialist can help curate a personalized treatment plan that will benefit you the most.
You’ll also undergo a physical and mental health evaluation during your assessment. These tests will help determine how GHB has affected your well-being and whether you need additional treatment at the rehabilitation center. If the evaluation determines that you have an underlying condition, you’ll be treated for both conditions simultaneously to improve your chance of success.
After your assessment, you’ll start the detox process, which could include medically-assisted detox to help you feel more comfortable and secure during your addiction treatment. You’ll be able to focus on therapy and speed along your recovery process. You’ll also have access to withdrawal management programs, which can help you manage the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal. The psychological symptoms often linger long after the physical symptoms have faded, but you’ll learn the skills you need to manage these feelings.
During detox, you’ll have access to 24-hour care directed by a medical professional, so you can rest assured that you’re receiving high-quality professional care. You’ll have access to this care whether you’re in an inpatient or outpatient program.
During your detox, you’ll begin your official treatment. You’ll participate in various types of therapy to help you get to the root cause of your addiction and reclaim your life. If you have a co-occurring mental health condition, you’ll receive simultaneous treatment to help you improve your well-being.
The different types of therapy you may experience in treatment include:
During treatment, you’ll likely participate in multiple types of therapy to get to the root of the problem. Therapy is just part of the solution to the addiction recovery process. Staying committed to your sobriety after treatment is essential to ensure long-lasting results.
Aftercare is an essential part of the treatment process to ensure long-term success. You’ll work with an addiction specialist to create a personalized aftercare plan as part of your treatment.
First, you’ll work on relapse prevention to ensure you have a plan in place to handle uncomfortable feelings or triggering situations. You’ll outline your response to these situations so you respond healthily rather than turning back to GHB. You’ll also list the names and contact information of your support network so you can call them if you feel like you’re close to a relapse.
Relapse prevention planning is just part of the aftercare process. You can also participate in 12-step support groups, which allow you to connect with other people going through similar experiences. You can ask questions, vent your frustrations or seek friendship from others who understand what you’re going through. Members of your support group can also help hold you accountable for sustaining your sobriety.
Another option for aftercare includes sober living homes. These homes provide a place for individuals to stay after their official treatment. Sober living homes are an excellent transition from full-time treatment to independent living. You can live independently but remain in a sober community with others going through the same thing. You’ll also have a routine to follow, which will give you the structure you need to readjust to sober living.
Trying to quit independently can be challenging. Seeking professional treatment helps you be more successful and sustain your recovery. Professional treatment provides many other benefits, such as:
Seeking treatment from a professional addiction center can help you achieve recovery sooner and more successfully than if you tried to quit independently. You’ll have access to professional resources to help you overcome withdrawal symptoms, stress and triggering situations. You’ll also have ongoing support, which you may not have access to outside of professional treatment.
If you’ve never sought treatment, you likely have some lingering questions. Here are a few common questions people ask about GHB addiction treatment to help you thoroughly understand the process.
Thanks to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, your insurance provider is required to provide equal coverage for your addiction treatment as they would for physical conditions. It’s important to note that if you have limited coverage for physical ailments, you’ll have limited coverage for addiction treatment.
However, if you have insurance of any kind, you’ll have some coverage and won’t have to worry about paying for all the costs out of pocket.
Various types of medications are used in detox to assist with withdrawal and prevent relapse. The kind you use will depend on your unique needs.
Naltrexone and disulfiram block certain substances’ effects, so when you take them, you still feel sober. These medications help reduce the desire in individuals to take different substances.
Buprenorphine is used to deceive a person’s body and mind into believing they’re still taking substances so they don’t have to undergo severe withdrawal. It can also be used to reduce cravings, which can be helpful during withdrawal and during various stages of recovery to prevent a relapse.
If someone you love is struggling with GHB addiction, you can help them get treatment and sustain their recovery. When you talk with your loved one, emphasize that you care about them and only want to help. Understand that they may initially resist treatment and may not acknowledge that they have a problem. Here are a few things you can do to help your loved one seek treatment and support them during their journey:
While addiction is a lifelong disease, achieving sobriety and managing your cravings and triggers is possible, allowing you to return to a fulfilling life. At Gateway Foundation, we are here to help you through every stage of your recovery. We have multiple levels of care to help you find a program that’s suited to your individual needs. We’ll also personalize your treatment plan to ensure you get the best care possible.
Addiction doesn’t have to stop you from taking back control of your life. Contact us today and learn how Gateway Foundation can help you find relief through GHB addiction treatment in Chicago and other cities in Illinois.