Suchttherapie 2013; 14 - S_37_2
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1351545

The Dutch GHB monitor: Monitoring the GHB detoxification process

B Dijkstra 1, 2 C DeJong 1 on behalf of The Dutch GHB monitor project chaired by Prof Cor de Jong
  • 1NISPA, Nijmegen
  • 2Novadic-Kentron, Vught, Netherlands

Introduction: GHB is an emerging drug of abuse in the Netherlands. Every year more patients are admitted to addiction care for GHB detoxification. Objectives: This presentation will give a short overview of the last developments in the Netherlands based on a survey in addiction care.

Methods: The nationwide GHB monitor was developed by the Nijmegen Institute for Scientist Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), financed by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. The main goal was to develop and monitor a practical guideline for safe and comfortable detoxification. Detoxification is performed by means of titration with pharmaceutical GHB and tapering of the GHB. Scientific interest focuses on co-occurring SUD and psychiatric comorbidity.

Results: 174 patients were enrolled till March 2012. The mean age is 30 years and 70% is male. Results will be presented on GHB use, living situation, education, reasons to use GHB, GHB supply, comorbidity, complications and contacts with police.

Conclusion: GHB abusers are complex and vulnerable patients with high care consumption and special needs in comparison with other SUD populations.

References:

de Jong CA, Kamal R, Dijkstra BA, de Haan HA. Gamma-hydroxybutyratedetoxification by titration and tapering. Eur Addict Res. 2012;18:40 – 5.

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared