Club Drugs Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Detox

Club drugs, which include substances like GHB, LSD, ketamine, MDMA, methamphetamine, and Rohypnol, can cause withdrawal symptoms when prolonged use suddenly stops or drastically decreases. The specific withdrawal timelines from these drugs vary according to the specific drug, particulars of the individual, and other factors.

GHB Withdrawal

GHB (gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid) is a metabolite that acts as a central nervous system depressant and is chemically similar to the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-Aminobutyric acid. Thus, GHB is a central nervous system depressant. It has some clinical uses as a potential anesthetic, to treat insomnia and narcolepsy, to help treat alcohol use disorder, and potentially as an adjunctive treatment for clinical depression. The drug is also used as a recreational drug due to its abilities to produce euphoria and its reputation as an aphrodisiac. It has been used as a date rape drug, and it goes by a number of different street names, including liquid ecstasy, lollipops, and Georgia home boy.

GHB Withdrawal Symptoms

Despite a number of online reports stating that GHB is safe to use, there is a documented withdrawal syndrome associated with discontinuing GHB. The withdrawal process is similar to a combination of alcohol withdrawal and benzodiazepine withdrawal that appears to occur in three discrete stages:

While withdrawal is different for every person, early acute withdrawal symptoms appear to occur 1-24 hours after discontinuation of heavy use. Symptoms of GHB withdrawal can include:

• Tremors
• Hypertension.
• Sweating.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Anxiety.
• Delirium.
• Confusion.
• Insomnia.
• Severe intermittent tachycardia.

Over the next 1-6 days, there is progressive change in symptoms that indicates a peak in most of the withdrawal symptoms. Besides the symptoms mentioned above, additional symptoms may include:

• Severe anxiety.
• Restlessness.
• Hallucinations.

Finally, a period of extended episodic symptoms—which may include intermittent episodes of the symptoms listed in the sections above—can begin after about one week following discontinuation and last for about one week. Additionally, the potential for seizures is also documented at any stage in the withdrawal process.

It’s important to remember that withdrawal symptoms can be different for everyone, and seeking medical intervention and treatment can not only ease the withdrawal but help you stop substance use.

LSD Withdrawal

LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) is a hallucinogen similar to drugs like psilocybin, mescaline, and PCP. LSD produces very vivid visual hallucinations, alterations of mood, and may produce a sense of well-being or euphoria. In some, it may also produce anxiety and hopelessness.

People who use LSD regularly may develop tolerance; however, there are no recorded cases of LSD withdrawal. There are few, if any, recorded instances of individuals exhibiting behaviors consistent with addiction. Some people who use LSD for longer periods of time may experience symptoms of malaise or dissociation upon discontinuation, but there is no withdrawal profile for this drug that is recognized.

Ketamine Withdrawal

Ketamine, also known as special K, is a dissociative anesthetic that has its primary mechanism of action in blocking the excitatory neurotransmitter N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). It was developed in the 1960s to replace the drug phencyclidine (PCP). The full effects of this drug are not well understood.

There are some psychological effects  associated with discontinuing ketamine, such as lengthy periods of malaise, depressed mood, and loss of motivation. However, there is no formal withdrawal timeline recognized, and it is not believed that this drug produces significant physical dependence.

MDMA Withdrawal

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), better known to some individuals as ecstasy, is a synthetic drug that alters perception and mood. It is classified as a hallucinogen, although it has the combined properties of stimulant drugs and hallucinogens.

Some studies suggest that withdrawal symptoms from MDMA include fatigue, loss of appetite, depression, and difficulty concentrating, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA). There is no formal timeline established for the withdrawal symptoms associated with discontinuation of MDMA. Many nonprofessional websites propose a withdrawal timeline for MDMA; however, these are not empirically validated.

Methamphetamine Withdrawal

Methamphetamine, more commonly known as crystal meth, is a powerful manmade stimulant drug that is often misused. It can be made by private individuals, and it is commonly snorted or smoked. While the severity and duration of meth withdrawal varies by individual and depends on a number of factors, including how much, how often, and for how long the drug was taken, research indicates that the timeline for withdrawal from crystal meth after discontinuation includes the following:

• Withdrawal begins rapidly following discontinuation of use, as crystal meth has a short half-life. Symptoms can appear within the first 24 hours after use stops.
• The symptoms peak within 4-10 days after stopping use and then decline in intensity.
• The average duration for the withdrawal period is a total of 2-3 weeks.
• Primary withdrawal symptoms include extreme cravings, which peak within the first week. Additionally, fatigue, lethargy, and excessive sleepiness occur within 4-6 days. Individuals may also experience increased appetite, nervousness, and depressive symptoms that peak within the first week and decline thereafter, but may extend for months after discontinuation. Some individuals may also develop psychotic symptoms, such as paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations.

Rohypnol Withdrawal

Rohypnol, also known as flunitrazepam, is a drug in the benzodiazepine class. It is an immediate-acting benzodiazepine that is useful to treat anxiety, seizures, and restless leg syndrome, and it can be used as a muscle relaxant or sedative. All of the drugs in the benzodiazepine class have a moderate potential for misuse and physical dependence. Empirical research has consistently shown withdrawal from benzodiazepines like Rohypnol to occur in two stages based on the intensity of symptoms and the duration:

Acute withdrawal following discontinuation of Rohypnol can be expected to occur within 3-4 days following last use of the drug. Acute withdrawal typically consists of anxiety and symptoms associated with anxiety. This anxiety is often labeled as rebound anxiety, as the anxiety represents a symptom controlled by the drug when the drug was used and returns once the person stops use. Rebound anxiety and other symptoms will induce cravings during this period.

Other intense symptoms may include:

• Flulike symptoms.
• Increased blood pressure.
• Increased heart rate.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Irritability.
• Weight loss.
• Insomnia.

There is a potential for the development of seizures as well, and these can be potentially fatal. As a result, the person should be given immediate medical attention.

Protracted withdrawal occurs following the acute anxiety rebound phase, and in most individuals, lasts 10-14 days. Milder manifestations of nausea, vomiting, shakiness, depression, anxiety, and cravings will continue over this time period.

Getting Help for Drug Use

If you’re ready to stop your drug use, you should consult your doctor, mental healthcare provider, or an addiction care specialist. You can reach out to American Addiction Centers (AAC). A knowledgeable admissions navigator can answer your questions, explain your options, and assist you in getting the help you need.