GHB, the date rape drug

            
             Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate, commonly known as GHB, is a mind altering drug that.
             is commonly used as a tool in the act of rape. It is a somewhat new, underground drug.
             that was initially used for medical research. Over the past years, though, it has become.
             very prevalent in the lives of many teenagers. It is a very dangerous drug that when.
             ingested in high doses has the potential to kill. GHB has only been part of the social lives.
             of teens and young adults for about ten years, it has moved from being a drug that has.
             legitimate medical uses to being a weapon that can severely impact the lives of those.
             who come in contact with it.
             GHB, which was first synthesized in the 1960's is very similar to the.
             neurotransmitter GABA. It sparks a variety of effects in the body by increasing the supply.
             of GABA and dopamine in the brain. GHB was originally developed as an anaesthetic but.
             was eventually discarded due to the unwanted side effects. The only true legal use of the.
             drug is being an investigational treatment of narcolepsy. In England the drug has been.
             sold as an anti-aging medicine which supposedly increases the libido, decreases body fat,.
             aids in alcohol withdrawal, and increases sleep [GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate),1].
             Ranging back all the way to 1960 were scientific papers reporting the numerous.
             beneficial effects of GHB. Researchers up until 1989 stated that there were no toxic side.
             affects of the drug and stressed that there was no need for any type of detoxification.
             [GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate, 3]. Being sold as a dietary supplement during this time.
             period, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stopped the distribution of it in 1990.
             but left it legal to posses. In 1997 it was banned making it illegal to posses due to its.
             supposed links to date rape [GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate),1]. In 1991 two scientist,.
             Chin and .
             Costello, 2.
             Kreutzer, wrote a report on ten poisoning associated with GHB. Their warnings were for.
             potential of abuse and noted how interviewed patients described a state of euphoria after .