Illicit use of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

Gamma hydroxybutyrate is a medicine originally designed as a pre-operative anaesthetic and natural sleep aid. It is a powerful synthetic drug that acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. GBH and its precursor, 1,4 Butanediol (BD), have been abused for its euphoric, sedative and anabolic (body building) effects. It is marketed on the Internet in liquid, pill or powder form, as an aphrodisiac, an aid for sleep and for its alcohol-like high.  In the club scene it is also known as also as GHB, "Liquid G", "G", "liquid ecstasy", "somatomax," "scoop," or "grievous bodily harm." 

Coma and seizures can occur following abuse of GHB and, when combined with methamphetamine, there can be an increased risk of seizure. Combining use with other drugs such as alcohol can result in nausea and difficulty breathing. GHB may also produce withdrawal effects, including insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and sweating.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, US college students looking  to get a quick high used GHB recreationally. After losing its popularity in the late 1980s, GHB again became popular for use as a "date rape" drug in the mid 1990s.   Mostly, young people attending parties and nightclubs and bodybuilders use the drug.  As with rohypnol and clonazepam, GHB has been associated with sexual assault in cities throughout the country.