Going through GBL withdrawal in hospital: Some case studies

Introduction. GBL or gamma-butyrolactone is a cheap psychotropic product used in chemsex and at techno parties, where it has replaced GHB in recent years. It can lead to dependence and physical withdrawal symptoms. Methods: We present a series of case studies of patients hospitalized for withdrawal, using routine care data from the addictology department at Fernand-Widal hospital. We examine the sociodemographic characteristics of users, their use of GBL, and their comorbidities. Moreover, we describe their withdrawal symptoms and the drug-based strategies used to manage them. Results. Over the study period, we recorded thirty-one subjects hospitalized for GBL withdrawal, out of a total of fifty-two hospitalizations in the department. The number of requests for in-patient GBL withdrawal treatment is increasing. In the sample, the proportion of men having sexual relations was 71 percent and 76.4 percent of users had psychiatric comorbidities. GBL use was daily in 77.4 percent of cases, often requiring large doses of benzodiazepines, and was associated with a risk of complications, particularly episodes of confusion. Conclusion. The number of requests for in-patient GBL withdrawal treatment has increased in recent years. During weaning, benzodiazepines are the reference treatment in this indication. Further studies are needed to assess the possibilities for preventing delirium during withdrawal.