G dependency and withdrawal
People who suddenly stop using G after using it on a frequent basis are at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which can be fatal. Withdrawal symptoms can start within a few hours of the last dose. Becoming physically dependent on G is very easy once you begin using it to fall asleep, or to cope with challenging comedowns.
Withdrawal symptoms include
- Huge levels of anxiety, which might result in body trembling, panic attacks, sweating, elevated heart rate and trouble concentrating.
- Physical reactions such as diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, high blood pressure or lack of appetite.
- Psychological reactions such as hallucinations, confusion and paranoia, delirium, memory problems, high levels of depression, or suicidal ideation.
- Problems with sleeping.
- Urges to self-medicate with more G to alleviate withdrawal.
Withdrawal symptoms will be worse the longer you have been dependent and the greater the amount of G you have been taking daily. If you run out of G and you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, do not medicate yourself with other substance (like alcohol, Valium etc.) and go to Accident and Emergency as soon as possible. They will look after you.
Seeking medical support for G detox
Detoxing from G is not easy. Medical support is there to assist you with the withdrawal symptoms.
You will need to contact your local Accident and Emergency or a drug and alcohol service (if you don’t know the name, Google it with the name of the area where you live e.g. Westminster drug and alcohol service), and they will help you.
Supervised in-patient detox programmes can take 7-10 days, and patients will be prescribed other medications to manage withdrawal. Patients will be under 24-hour supervision for the first few days due to the dangers of withdrawal.
Other options are a very slow, incremental and staggered titration of the G dose which can take weeks. This should not be started without supervision.
Addressing psychological dependency
G can serve as an emotional crutch, leading to psychological dependency. After detox, you may find a lot of those emotions will come to the surface. Seek psychological support to help you cope with these emotions.
Check out our counselling service or contact to your GP.