Addiction Nightmare

Those who become addicted are in serious trouble, as detoxification from GHB is difficult and even life threatening. Bodybuilders are the ones more likely to become addicted since they are most likely to take it on a regular basis, while partygoers “may” last longer with just occasional use.

Several months ago I got to know a man who had been addicted to GHB for eight years. A former bodybuilder (who even modeled workout clothing with some awesome abs) and a contractor, GHB had taken over his life. His ability to discipline himself and work out was long gone. His body was clearly that of an EX-body builder. When I interviewed him on camera for French TV, he struggled to stay focused and finish sentences, something he attributed to the prolonged abuse of GHB. He’d lose his train of thought and in frustration say, “Trinka, I’m telling you. I wasn’t like this. It’s the GHB.” He was working as a contractor on a small scale. His marriage was falling apart.

I had met him through a doctor at UCLA (Dr. Karen Miotto) who was studying GHB, and interviewing users around the campus. She had introduced me to Dave and was planning to help him detox, but UCLA, like most facilities, had little exposure to the withdrawal syndrome from GHB. After talking with other GHB experts (and learning that it’s more likely a 10-14 day, intensive care situation than the usual 3-5 day detox), they proceeded with his detox—and what an experience it was for them all. By the time he actually went into the hospital, he had gotten even more confused and frustrated. He would somehow remember or be able to find my phone number, but would lose the UCLA phone numbers. He would call me, asking for his doctor’s number (remember–he knew HER before meeting ME). About eight to ten days later, he would call me again, asking for her number and oblivious to the prior conversation. Sometimes he remembered his doctor’s name and sometimes he didn’t. This happened three or four times. His wife had given up on him and was ready to leave; her three children didn’t need any more of this mess.

Then one day I got a call that he was in the hospital in detox. They were in Day 4, and the doctors were worried. He was experiencing bizarre episodes, despite heavy medication, and they were actually worried that he might not live through it. He did survive. Detox took 12 days plus psychiatric care follow up. For UCLA Doctor Karen Miotto it the worst drug withdrawal she had seen. His experience–which he does not remember at all-is the subject of a paper that will be published soon.