Ghb has been used for several purposes. describe its recent history of various medical and recreational uses and its status as a controlled substance.

GHB's main purpose was as a dietary supplement. It was also used by body builders and health enthusiasts for stimulation of muscle growth. In large doses, GHB has alcohol like effects, and its recreational use led to banning it from dietary supplements in 1990. It has also been taken advantage in parties as a to drug fragile men and women. Its use as such a drug led Congress to direct GHB be placed on Schedule I in 2000. In 2002, a prescription version was developed called Xyrem and was made available for the treatment of narcolepsy. Xyrem is now currently on Schedule III.