Date Rape Drugs

How Does It Happen?

Victims have had drugs unsuspectingly slipped into their drinks at bars, clubs and parties for the purpose of reducing their resistance to sexual advances. Once the individual is incapacitated, she is sexually assaulted. Left in a helpless or unconscious state, she can't escape, resist or call for help.

It is also not unusual for teens and college students to intentionally mix these drugs with alcohol to get a faster and better "high." This can be a very deadly combination. DON'T mix these or any drugs with alcohol!

This page will give you information on:

Rohypnol
GHB
Ecstasy (MDMA)
First Aid For Drugs

Rohpynol

What is Rohypnol?
Rohypnol (pronounced row-hip-nol) is a strong sedative which is similar to the drug valium, but is 10 times stronger. The pill is similar in shape, size and color to aspirin. Rohypnol is a small white tablet that is single- or cross-scored on one side and has the word "Roche" on the other side. It also has a circled numeral 1 or 2 on it. Drug street names change all the time, but it is often known as: "roofies," "rophies," "roche," "rope," "R2" and "Trip-and-Fall".

Rohypnol dissolves easily in juice, coffee and carbonated and alcoholic beverages. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless when dissolved in any liquid.

The effects of this drug are enhanced when it is mixed with alcohol--causing sedation, loss of a inhibitions, relaxation, blackouts and amnesia. It can also cause respiratory depression, coma and even death.

The drug takes effect after about 20 to 30 minutes, and effects may last as long as 8 to 12 hours. When combined with alcohol, Rohypnol causes severe disorientation and the classic "blackouts" it is known for. Blackout periods are typically 8 to 12 hours long. The victim may or may not appear "awake" during this time.

This drug is especially dangerous because it is so inexpensive. One tablet can cost anywhere from $1 to $5 in U.S. dollars. The drug's amnesiac effects usually leave the victim with little or no memory of any assault.

Signs and Symptoms of Use

Rohypnol can cause quick intoxication, bloodshot eyes, drowsiness, dizziness, disorientation, impaired judgment, memory loss, simultaneous hot and cold flashes, nausea and difficulty in speaking and moving.


You May Have Been Drugged If ...

You feel a lot more intoxicated than your usual response to the amount of alcohol you consumed. Or you feel intoxicated and you had NO alcohol, but did drink something.

You wake up feeling confused, experience a memory lapse and are unable to account for a period of time.

You wake up in a hotel room or stranger's apartment or home.

You took a drink but can't remember what happened to you after you drank it. You feel that someone had sex with you, but you can't remember any or all of the incident.


If It Happens To You ...

Tell someone you trust.

Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Try to collect a urine sample in a clean container during the first 24 hours after the assault. (This may be your only evidence linking the drug to the crime, as the drug will show up in your urine.)

Don't destroy any of the evidence by showering or washing.

Report the incident to the police, your local rape crisis center or the hospital emergency department.

Talk to a counselor for support. Your emotional and physical health are important.

Believe in yourself. No one invites causes or deserves sexual assault. What happened to you is a criminal offense. You are not to blame!


Don't Be a Victim

Do not accept open drinks at parties, especially from strangers. This also includes any soft drink. If you're drinking from a bottle or can, open it yourself.

Never leave your drink unattended. If you ask someone to watch it, make sure it is someone you trust.

Never go out to a bar, party or social event alone. Go with a trustworthy friend.

Don't drink anything that has an unusual taste (salty, perhaps) or appearance (like excessive foam or residue).

Never mix drugs and alcohol.




More Info

Rohypnol is not legally available in the United States or Canada. It is manufactured in Mexico and is available by prescription in over 60 countries.

It is difficult to predict the effects of any drug on an individual, as they will vary depending on the dosage, whether alcohol was involved, your own body's metabolism and how soon you receive medical assistance.

Many women raped while under the influence of the drug are unsure of what happened, because they have no memory of the event.

Sexual violence is often linked with substance abuse, and anyone's best defense is knowledge!

For more, see Dating Violence and Teen Dating Violence.

News Flash About Rohypnol

There is good news about Rohypnol: Its manufacturer recently changed the drug to make it more detectable. When put into a light-colored drink, new Rohypnol will now turn the beverage bright blue. Consumers of dark-colored beverages (like Coca-Cola) should notice a cloudy appearance. The drug will also dissolve more slowly and form chunky pieces in your drink. Keep in mind, however, that it may take some time for this new Rohypnol to hit the streets.


GHB

What is GHB?

GHB is Gamma Hydroxy Butrate. It is a powerful synthetic drug that acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. It is a newer drug to the streets than Rohypnol. GHB is an illegally manufactured drug, so it is very dangerous, as it is made by "kitchen chemists" and there is NO quality control as with an FDA-approved drug. Its effects can be felt within 15 minutes after ingestion. It is used the same way someone will use Rohypnol on an unknowing victim.

GHB is usually found in liquid form that is colorless and odorless and has no taste when mixed in a drink or water. Sometimes there is a salty aftertaste, depending on how the drug was produced. Since the actual amount of GHB is unknown, the risk of toxic effect is great.

Signs and Symptoms:

Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Unconsciousness
Memory loss
Difficulty breathing
Seizures
Coma

Some Street Names:
G
Grievous Bodily Harm
Gook
Easy Lay
Vita-G
G Juice

Ecstasy (MDMA)

What is Ecstasy?

Ecstasy is a synthetic, amphetamine-like (speed-like), mind-altering drug that can cause you to hallucinate. It has been known to cause death, especially when mixed with alcohol. It is often mixed with speed by drug dealers, often without the user knowing. Ecstasy does not often come in a capsule.

MDMA, also referred to as Ecstasy or XTC, is one of a series of “designer drugs” created by chemically modifying methamphetamine. One of the other drugs in this class is MDA (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine). To read more on this drug, read our article on Ecstasy. (For more drug links, go to the Drug Links page.)

By now, you are probably thinking that you have heard of Ecstasy, and that it is not a date-rape drug. But it has been reported as a date-rape drug by law-enforcement agencies in the United States and Canada, as it has been given to many victims without their knowing since its appearance in the mid-1980s.

We decided to include it here for educational purposes, but more and more Ecstasy is being used to enhance the effects of alcohol and marijuana. PLEASE don't mix these drugs; it can be a deadly combination! Some teens think the speed-like feelings they get from Ecstasy will counteract the downer feelings of alcohol and pot. Wrong again! It is important to note that most of the deaths that have occurred from MDMA have been due to dehydration. If this drug is used, it must be taken with a lot of water. We are NOT recommending the use of this drug, just providing information.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of Ecstasy are similar to those of speed and cocaine:

Anxiety
Blurred vision
Confusion
Chills or sweating
Very fast heart rate and increase in blood pressure
Rapid eye movement
Tremors
Inability to sleep

Avoid It!

We can't emphasize this enough. Ecstasy is often mixed with other drugs for recreational purposes at parties or clubs. When mixed with marijuana or alcohol, it is very bad for the liver and kidneys, causing dehydration and overheating. "Cocktailing" Ecstasy with other drugs can be very dangerous and deadly. You may see people using it at school or parties. Avoid it!


FIrst Aid for Drugs; Call for Help!

If someone you're with has problems when on drugs, or if they think they have been drugged, stay with her. Get medical help as soon as possible. Stay with your friend and have someone else call for you. Have someone call 911 (in the United States). Tell the paramedics exactly what your friend has taken (if you know). You may save the person's life by doing this.

If he is panicking, take the person to a quiet place and stay with him until they he has calmed down. Try to get the person to breathe deeply and slowly.

If she is vomiting while lying down, make her sit or stand up with her head down.

If he is unconscious, loosen his clothing and lay him flat on his back. If you know how to do CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), be prepared to do it if you do not feel a pulse.

Remember, get medical help as soon as possible. You may save a person's life by doing this. Don't be afraid to get involved, even if you don't know the person who needs your help.