GHB is being promoted to teenagers as a aphrodisiac.
It can, in fact, be deadly.
The drug which was banned in 1991 is experiencing
a resurgence -- particularly as a "date rape" drug that, when
slipped into someone's drink, can render the person helpless. Originally
developed as a surgical anesthetic, GHB had so many side effects that it
was abandoned.
In 1990, the Food and Drug Administration received
reports that body builders were abusing GHB as an alternative to steroids.
GHB, or gamma hydroxybutyrate, has been blamed for dozens of hospitalizations
and at least three deaths.
On the street, it may be known as "cherry
meth," "liquid X" and "liquid ecstasy," GHB is
odorless, nearly tasteless and produces a high, but can also cause tremors,
seizures and death.
GHB is commonly distributed as a white powder or clear liquid that can be
mixed into a drink. It sells for about $10.00 a vial.
