GHB (gamma hydroxy butyrate) is an anaesthetic formerly used in surgery and it has been used in the medical setting as treatment for cataplexy, narcolepsy, and alcoholism. But these days GHB is also sold as a recreational drug. A colourless drink and sometimes also as a powder.
GHB can lead to unconsciousness. The dose that can give a nice effect is close to a dose from which a person becomes unconscious. Passing out is dangerous because there is a risk of stopping with breathing. The risk of this is even greater when GHB is combined with other depressants, such as alcohol and sleep and sedatives.
Many cases are known were people died from the drug. Even Dutch police officers used it in their spare time and even died from it. In a Dutch report just published about GHB users tell about their findings.
The news program Tagesschau from the German first public TV channel ARD wants research to be done for a reportage about the new drug.