Date rape drugs are substances that can be put into a person’s drink to render them unconscious and vulnerable to sexual assault. Such drugs are usually administered by people who perpetrate sexual violence to prevent the victim from consent or refuse an assault. This post will delve into what date rape drugs are and why should be aware of them.

Rohypnol

Rohypnol, also called roofies, is a CNS depressant that causes sedation and amnesia. It is available as a pill that can be crushed and dissolved in liquid. Rohypnol starts to work after half an hour of consumption, reaches its peak within two hours and can last up to eight. It is evident from the above that signs of Rohypnol drugging are drowsiness, lack of coordination, poor judgment and memory blackouts.

Rohypnol was initially introduced as a sedative and muscle relaxant prescription drug. But it has been illegal in the United States since 1996 because of its abuse in drug-facilitated sexual assaults. It is still available by prescription in some countries. Rohypnol is odorless, tasteless and colorless when dissolved; hence it is usually used by people who commit drug-facilitated assault. But some producers have started to incorporate a dye that changes the colour of drinks into bright blue when the agent is added, which increases the possibility that victims would notice something has been put in their drink.

GHB

Gamma hydroxybutyrate, or GHB, is a mind-altering anesthetic and date-rape drug. Labeled as a “club drug,” GHB is an odorless, colorless liquid or powder that can be dissolved in drinks. Side effects, including euphoria, drowsiness and reduced inhibitions take place 10-20 minutes after consuming the drug. GHB has a steep dose-response curve – a slight excess can cause vomiting, seizures, loss of consciousness and coma even death.

Since GHB occurs in the cells of human beings, it is hard to detect during drug tests. It usually takes 4 hours for the effects of the drug to wear off. Like Rohypnol, GHB is illegal in the US and elsewhere. But, as with Rohypnol, illicit manufacture and trade continue.

Ketamine

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has legitimate uses in veterinary medicine. As a date rape drug, ketamine is added to drinks and consumed against the will. The effects are seen within 5-10 minutes and persist for approximately 4-6 hours. In low doses, the effects are poor attention and cognition, confusion as well as amnesia; in high doses there is dissociation, immobility and unconsciousness.

It is known that ketamine causes muscle relaxations and loss of muscles control. It also significantly disrupts normal sensory discrimination. The victims under the influence of ketamine have severe difficulties in moving or speaking, which leaves them extremely vulnerable to victimization.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are prescription central nervous system depressants that are often used to treat anxiety, insomnia and seizures. This drug class includes Rohypnol. Other cases include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).

Although these drugs serve a legitimate purpose when used according to prescription, they have a high potential for abuse. The sedative effect enables perpetrators to lace drinks with drugs to reduce inhibitions and render victims unconscious. Memory loss or blackouts can lead to false recall of assault details by victims. When benzodiazepines are mixed with alcohol, all effects are amplified and can result in respiratory depression.

Date Rape Drugs

Do not accept drinks from strangers. Do not consume anything that has been left unattended. Do not share or swap drinks with others. Bring your own beverage, if you can. Do not drink from a punch bowl or other shared open containers.

Be careful of your friends’ behavior – if it is suddenly and abnormally impaired, then one of these substances may have been unknowingly consumed. If you believe someone has been drugged, call emergency services. Speedy action can contribute to the preservation of evidence and prevent further damage.

If you think that you were drugged and sexually assaulted, see a doctor as soon as possible and request to be tested for these drugs. Report the crime to law enforcement as soon as possible although date rape drugs leave the body rapidly; traces can still be found sometimes.

Always keep in mind that victims are not responsible for sexual assault. The blame always falls entirely on those who decide to offend. Contact local support services and speak confidentially with advocates trained in responding compassionately to drug-facilitated and other sexual assaults.