Pharmacotherapy for GHB withdrawal

Regular consumption of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) may result in a dependence syndrome that can lead to withdrawal symptoms. There are limited data on medications to manage GHB withdrawal. Hospital emergency department data in NSW and ambulance call out data in Victoria suggest harms related to GHB are increasing. A national priority setting study identified GHB overdose and withdrawal as a key clinical research priority in the alcohol and other drug sector. No national guidelines exist to manage this condition, and people in withdrawal are at risk of delirium and other adverse health outcomes.

This PhD project will involve contributing to the design and implementation of a novel pharmacological treatment for managing acute withdrawal from GHB.

• Reviewing existing evidence around GHB withdrawal management

• Engaging with clients and clinicians, participating in recruitment and data collection

• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis from both standardised measures and semi-structured interviews relating to withdrawal management efficacy, acceptability, and barriers/enablers to implementation

Eligibility criteria

Domestic candidates only.

How to Apply

Express your interest in this project by emailing Professor Nadine Ezard (n.ezard@unsw.edu.au).  Include a copy of your CV and your academic transcript(s).