Slang or Street Names: Grievous Bodily Harm, G, EZ Scoop, Liquid X, Easy Lay, Salty Water

History: GHB was developed in 1961 for use as an anesthetic. Since then, it has been experimented with in the treatment of sleep disorders and alcoholism. The Food and Drug Administration banned GHB in 1990. In 2000, GHB was classified as a Schedule I, Controlled Dangerous Substance.

Identification: Legally produced in Europe, GHB can be in liquid, white powder, tablet, or capsule forms. The majority of GHB found in the United States is in liquid form, manufactured in clandestine laboratories using industrial cleaning solvents.

Effects: GHB is a central nervous system depressant that sedates the body (similar to alcohol) producing a state of relaxation. GHB can slow breathing and heart rates to dangerous levels, resulting in deep sleep, coma or death.

The intoxicating effects of GHB can begin within 10 minutes and typically last up to 4 hours. Overdosing of GHB can occur rather quickly, with the signs being similar to those of other sedatives including drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of consciousness, loss of reflexes, impaired breathing, and death.