Detoxing from GBL through a safe and caring experience
Passmores House is a well-established and high-quality 23-bed detox and rehab set in the idyllic Essex countryside
AT PASSMORES HOUSE we pride ourselves on the specialist care we provide and our ability to manage very complex detoxes , thanks to our experienced medical team , trained counsellors and having 24 / 7 nursing on site .
Although we support a significant number of alcohol detoxes and a range of opiate stabilisations and detoxes , we also help people to safely detox from high-risk substances including GBL ( gamma-butyrolactone ).
We started our first GBL detox six years ago and since then we ’ ve carried out about 100 overall . GBL detoxes are highly unpredictable and hard for even general hospitals to carry out as withdrawals can cause :
• seizures
• delirium and confusion
• severe anxiety , depression , craving , self-harm and psychosis
• rapid changes in heart rate and blood pressure
• nausea , vomiting , diarrhoea , and abdominal cramps which can lead to electrolyte imbalances
• poor sleep
• severe muscle stiffness , cramping and muscle aches
We use a combination of diazepam with baclofen as well as utilising a range of medications to treat withdrawal symptoms . Importantly , our detox packages also include tailored psychosocial interventions . We also offer bespoke rehab packages for individuals who have engaged in chemsex activities .
One of our residents tells us about their experience of using GBL and how Passmores House helped them
GBL was offered to me at a chemsex party . I had no experience or even the faintest knowledge about the drug beforehand . People at the party ranged from young adults , to older businessmen and full-time mothers .
My first use was an extremely overwhelming sensation accompanied by a wave of overconfidence . Subsequently a loss of almost all inhibition created a cloud of guilt , regret and disgust that seemed to loom over me indefinitely .
There is an extremely fine line between euphoria and death in regards to dosage . As use becomes more reckless , the precision with dosing also deteriorates .
Blacking out , often called a ’ G-Hole ’, occurs so frequently that it is often normalised on the GBL scene and people lying comatose on the floor are stepped over or pushed aside while partying continues . In this state you ’ re vulnerable to sexual assault and robbery , with absolutely no recollection .
A ‘ G-Hole ’ is more likely to occur if GBL is mixed with alcohol , if intervals
between doses are not respected , or if the user has been awake for an abnormally long time .
I initially sought help through my local service and then at Via , where I was referred to Passmores House . The withdrawals have been much more manageable than I expected , with appropriate medication for a comfortable detox . The community groups and check-ins have helped me tremendously , and I ' ve shared insights about my recovery that I would have usually suppressed .
I owe this not just to the staff at Passmores , but also the other residents , who created a wonderfully safe space that made me feel valid and understood . Alongside superb medical professional support I received profound emotional support from the medical staff , which gave me clarity and grounded me during sporadic moments of discomfort .
GBL addiction is extremely overwhelming and often feels inescapable . It very soon loses its euphoria , becoming a habit that persists solely to escape and delay withdrawal and discomfort .
There is no better feeling than being freed from the shackles of GBL , and receiving autonomy over your body , mind and soul once again .
To find out more about the care and treatment we offer and how to refer someone , please contact us on 01279 634 200 or passmores @ viaorg . uk Visit our website at www . viaorg . uk / services / passmores-house • For online referral please visit https :// wdp . greenshootscms . co . uk / referral-form
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