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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
[Gamma-hydroxybutyrat (GHB)-dependence and -withdrawal in the case of previous alcohol dependence]
Christoph Richter1, Alexander Romanowski, Thorsten Kienast
1Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité Campus Mitte, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin. ch.richter@charite.de
Objective:
gamma-Hydroxybutyrat (GHB) is used medically for narcolepsy and as a narcotic. It is also a rare illegal drug. In this case report the development of a GHB-dependency against the background of a primary alcohol dependency is described.
Methods:
Based on established alcohol withdrawal scales (AWSS by Wetterling, CIWA) and neuropsychological testing procedures (CGI, GAF, SKID-II, PISQ, analog-scale for Craving), the initial situation, the development of psychopathological findings, and the course of detoxification were shown.
Results/Conclusion:
The combined detoxication of GHB and alcohol was successfully finished by a reduction schedule of diazepam. Withdrawal-assessment scales for alcohol were helpful, but show limitations for GHB-withdrawal symptoms. The patient suffers, according to ICD-10, from a multiple drug dependence (alcohol, GHB, abstinence from amphetamines). Symptoms of insomnia, major depression, and generalized anxiety disorder can be associated with the use of GHB.
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