An UK gay magazine cover Illegal as a Class B Drug under the New Zealand Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate)/G is becoming more prevalent overseas, along with its associated risks. Why is overseas use of GHB spreading? According to users interviewed in an article in the British lad's mag , Arena, users of Ecstasy have been turned off by the fear of adulteration (addiction of improper or inferior ingredients), and cocaine just turns one into "a jittery paranoid". These 'roofie' drugs relax people, and positive experiences are reportedly akin to being happily drunk, which enhances musical appeal and social interaction. The latter is not surprising, considering GHB's origins as a horse tranquiliser. However, GHB also has a darker side. If one's alcohol gets spiked by a malicious third party, this clear and colourless liquid can be - and has been - used as a date rape drug. If your drink has a suspicious salty tang that shouldn't be there, back away from the person who gave it to you, fast. GHBÂ is difficult to chemically trace. Moreover, because of its illegal origins, and human metabolic variations, it is nearly impossible to take GHB without risking damage from excessive concentration and strength. It also has a steep response curve- take too many small dosages with no discernable effect, and one can easily find oneself unconscious, and with hallucinations, or no memory of what happened immediately before the event. The aforementioned hallucinations, muscle cramps, vomiting, convulsions and asphyxiation through blocked mouths and throats can occur. As a result, ARecommended: "Clear and Present Danger" by Jamie Hodgson: Arena 190 (January 2008): 126-131. Craig Young - 19th December 2007