GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate or 4-hydroxybutanoic acid), a central nervous system depressant, is a naturally occurring product of human metabolism. It’s found in tiny concentrations in some food and drink, like red wine and animal meat. GHB is a complex drug: at higher doses it can give you a drowsy, euphoric high whereas at lower doses it can act as a stimulant. It goes by many different names, including liquid E or liquid X, but it’s a very different chemical to MDMA. When it’s dosed carefully, it brings feelings of euphoria, relaxation and increased libido but you have to be very careful; even just 0.5 mL can be the difference between a good time and having too much.

It was first synthesised in 1874 by a Russian scientist. From the 1960s, it was used extensively in surgery and childbirth but eventually other, less dangerous medications came about and reduced its use. During the 90s, GHB became a popular recreational drug, being used in the party scene, in chemsex, by bodybuilders and as a “daterape” drug. By the 00’s, GHB was made a controlled substance to try and limit its use. A few different chemicals often mis-sold as GHB which have very similar effects to GHB but are much stronger and start working much sooner meaning a much higher risk of overdosing (see common substitutes section below).

References: NHS; The Conversation