DATE RAPE DRUGS

Rohypnol

What is Rohypnol?

Rohypnol, commonly known as “roofies”, is the brand name for flunitrazepam, a drug similar to Valium and Xanax.  It is a potent and fast-acting sedative, most often found in tablet form. When dissolved it is often undetectable, having no color, odor, or taste.  Unlike Valium and Xanax, Rohypnol is not legal in the United States.

The effects of Rohypnol.

Rohypnol causes drowsiness, confusion, impaired motor skills, dizziness, loss of inhibition, impaired judgment, and reduced levels of consciousness.  These effects may be magnified (including coma and even death) when combined with alcohol.

A person under the influence of Rohypnol may look and act drunk (slurred speech, difficulty walking, etc.) or may be completely unconscious.  It is common for individuals to experience memory loss as a result of being given this drug.

How is Rohypnol abused?

Most often, Rohypnol is dropped into a potential victims drink so that it is ingested without his/her knowledge.  Once Rohypnol has been dissolved in any (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) liquid, it cannot be detected.

GHB

What is GHB?

GHB, or Gamma-hydroxybutyrate, is a fast-acting nervous system depressant similar to Rohypnol.  It is a colorless and odorless liquid (also used in powder and capsule form) with a salty taste.  GHB is an illegal substance but is increasingly used as a recreational drug.

The effects of GHB.

Initially, one may experience euphoria and relaxation.  However, adverse effects can occur 15 minutes to an hour after ingestion.  Nausea, drowsiness, respiratory distress, dizziness, seizures, and amnesia are common effects.

As with Rohypnol, these effects may be magnified when combined with alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms, including sweating, insomnia, muscular cramping, tremors, and anxiety may develop.  Some may experience more severe effects such as falling into a coma and/or death.

How is GHB abused?

GHB is misused much like Rohypnol.  However. because it is most commonly found in liquid form, it may be more easily slipped into a potential victims drink.  Like Rohypnol, GHB is often completely undetectable once dissolved in a drink.

Alcohol

Alcohol, a Date Rape Drug?

For years, alcohol has been used to facilitate sexual assault more than any other drug.  Even today with the emergence of new substances such as Rohypnol and GHB, alcohol continues to be the substance most often associated with date rape, and the most easily accessible sedative substance.

The effects of Alcohol.

Alcohol can have tremendous sedating effects, particularly when consumed in large quantities.  The effects of alcohol are quite similar to those of Rohypnol, GHB, and other sedatives and include both impaired judgment and motor coordination, loss of inhibition, dizziness, confusion, and extreme drowsiness.  When large quantities are consumed, a person may become unconscious and experience a loss of memory or “blackout” for the time period in which they were intoxicated.

How is Alcohol abused?

Though alcohol may be used to "spike" an unknowing person's drink, it is more often given to someone who willingly drinks it.  To facilitate a sexual assault, the perpetrator may persuade the potential victim to consume more alcohol than he or she normally would.  The perpetrator's objective is to entice the victim to drink to excess so that the victim will either become unconscious or otherwise unable to stop the assault.

How Can I Protect Myself?

It is important to remember that a person can do everything right and still be sexually assaulted.  The only one who can prevent a rape is the rapist.  However, there are some things you can keep in mind to help reduce your risks, particularly with regard to substance-related sexual assault.