GHB, Liquid X, Gamma 10, G-riffick, Salty water, Fantasy or simply the G. These are just the common names for gamma-hydroxybutyric acid.

This drug is called “date rape” drug or “sexual assault” drug because of its ability to cause sedation, blackouts and amnesia at high doses. GHB, in liquid form, is clear and odorless. It is often poured into bottles of water, juice, soda or alcoholic drinks to conceal its use.

Did you know that GHB was once sold in health food stores as a performance-enhancing supplement for bodybuilders and weightlifters?

This drug is believed to promote muscle growth, which can help enhance physical appearance even in non-athletes and it can assist in faster recovery from sports-related injuries. The drug’s main action is to elevate the level of human growth hormone in the body.

However, since its abuse due to its ability to produce euphoria and hallucinations in rave parties, and its unproven effects in muscle growth stimulation, GHB was banned by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1990.

Presently, in the US, there are still laboratories producing the substance GHB. Quality and purity of the substance, however, remains questionable.

According to K-state Perspectives:

GHB was sold in health food stores as a performance-enhancing additive in bodybuilding formulas until the Food and Drug Administration banned it in 1990. It is currently marketed in some European countries as an adjunct to anesthesia. GHB is abused for its ability to produce euphoric and hallucinogenic states and for its alleged function as a growth hormone that releases agents to stimulate muscle growth. GHB became a Schedule I Controlled Substance in March 2000.