After its introduction in 1977, Lorazepam's principal use was in treating anxiety. Among benzodiazepines, Lorazepam has a relatively high physical addiction potential. Lorazepam also has misuse potential; the main types of misuse are for recreational purposes or continued use against medical advice. Its sedative-hypnotic and anterograde amnesic properties are sometimes used for criminal purposes in a manner similar to GHB.