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It is definitely used as a recreational drug and is considered a rave drug along with ketamine (special K) and rohypnol (roofies). When I was working adolescent psych 5 years ago, these were all huge and kids showed us that there were internet sites recommending how to use them (don't be alone, have a buddy to watch you and monitor your vitals, etc) to gain an "out of body" experience. They can be very scary drugs. According to the whitehousedrugpolicy.gov web site:
Prevalence Estimates
GHB is often ingested with alcohol by young adults and teens at nightclubs and parties. It is used as a pleasure enhancer that depresses the central nervous system and induces intoxication. It also can be used as a sedative to reduce the effects of stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine, ephedrine) or hallucinogens (LSD, mescaline) and to prevent physical withdrawal symptoms.
Since 2000, GHB has been included in the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future Survey questionnaire. Survey results indicate that annual GHB use by secondary school students in 2000 ranged from 1.1% among 10th graders to 1.2% among 8th graders and 1.9% among 12th graders. In 2001, estimates of annual GHB use ranged from 1.0% among 10th graders to 1.1% among 8th graders and 1.6% among 12th graders.
Regional Observations
According to CEWG, as of 2001, 15 CEWG areas reported increases in GHB indicators. They were Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Houston, Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, St. Louis, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle. Atlanta, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., reported stable GHB indicators. Only two CEWG sites, Detroit and New Orleans, reported declines in GHB indicators. Most CEWG areas report that GHB is frequently used in combination with alcohol, causing users to overdose.
In 2000, according to the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC), GHB availability was stable or increasing in nearly every DEA Field Division and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. Many areas reported that the increased availability of GHB occurred in concert with a rise in rave activity. Law enforcement also reported increases in the number of cases involving GHB analogs.
According to Pulse Check: Trends in Drug Abuse, GHB users and sellers tend to be between the ages of 18 and 30. Most users are middle-class white males. GHB is typically packaged in plastic bottles (mostly water or sports drink bottles) and distributed by the capful for $5–$20 per dose. Additional packaging includes eyedropper bottles, glass vials, and mouthwash bottles.
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