Protect Yourself Against Date Rape Drugs
By Jackie

“Edith! Edith!! Get me out of here!!!” I yelled out to her, frustrated and confused as I lay in the hospital bed. Feeling terrified and dazed I started to rip out all of the tubes connected to my arms, head, and other places. Edith and a nurse tried to calm me down, but I yelled hysterically. “What am I doing here?” I asked Edith helplessly. Edith looked at me, shocked, as if I were crazy. “Was I in a car accident?”
“No, Jackie, she said, “You were not in a car accident;, you were given GHB, and you were not that far from being in a coma.”

Jackie’s experience has been happening more frequently to other women, since Rohypnol and other so-called date rape drugs (GHB and Ketamine) were introduced into the United States in the early 1990s [1]. One study estimated the prevalence of date rape to be somewhere between 20 and 68 percent of all adolescent females [2]. Sexual assault (date rape) among young women and adolescents is an increasing phenomenon. The use of drugs for the purpose of inducing unconsciousness and amnesia in the victim is becoming more common. As one author put it, “if someone gives you date rape drugs, basically he doesn’t care what happens to you so long as he can have sex.”

The purpose of this article is to share information about date rape drugs, so you can learn how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Rohypnol (also known as roofies, rope, ruffles, r2, roche, or forget-pill)
It is a potent tranquilizer which produces a sedative affect, amnesia, muscle relaxation, and slowing of psychomotor response.

• What does it look like?
  It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and dissolves without leaving any trace. It takes effect within about 15 minutes. Rohypnol tablets are white, scored on one side, with the word “ROCHE” and an encircled one or two (depending on the dosage) on the other side.
• Who uses Rohypnol and how?
  Teens’ use of Rohypnol is increasing. Some teens and young adults use Rohypnol as an alcohol extender—to create a dramatic “high”—most often in combination with beer. Others use it as a drug to incapacitate someone else before sexually assaulting their victim.
• Why has there been an increase in teens’ use of Rohypnol?
  First, Rohypnol is a relatively low-cost drug (less than $5.00 per tablet). Second, many erroneously believe that the drug is unadulterated because it comes in pre-sealed bubble packs and is, they think, tamper-proof and safe. Third, many mistakenly think it cannot be detected by urinalysis.
• What are the dangers?
  Drowsiness, dizziness, loss of motor control, lack of coordination, slurred speech, and confusion. In addition, Rophynol can cause deep sedation, respiratory distress, blackouts that can last up to 24 hours, and/or death, especially when Rohypnol is mixed with alcohol [3].

Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (also known as GHB, liquid ecstacy, liquid x, scoop, easy lay)
GHB is a depressant of the central nervous system. Most of the GHB in use today is a “homemade” mix of various chemical ingredients, including solvents. It takes effect approximately 20 minutes after consumption.

• What does it look like?
  It is an odorless, liquid with anesthetic qualities. GHB is usually distributed as a sodium salt in powder or tablet form and is commonly dissolved in water.
• What are the dangers?
  Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, seizures, severe respiratory depression, and coma can result from ingestion of GHB. An overdose can occur quickly and can be fatal.
• Has anyone died due to GHB ingestion?
  As of April 2000, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration had documented 65 GHB-related deaths. Of these deaths, nearly 60 percent of the victims were in their twenties [4].
• Why is GHB so difficult for hospitals and law enforcement officials to detect?
  Unlike other narcotics that remain in the body for up to 36 hours, GHB is flushed from the body within four hours of ingestion [5].

Ketamine (also known as K, Special K, Vitamin K, Ket)
Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic used as to tranquilize animals. Ketamine is in a class of drugs called dissociative anesthetics; these act on the central nervous system to separate perception and sensation.

• What does it look like?
  It is an odorless and colorless and comes as a white powder, tablet, or liquid. It can be snorted, taken orally, or injected.
• What are the dangers?
  Hallucinations, memory loss, decreased oxygen to the brain, slurred speech, increased blood pressure, muscle rigidity, dreaminess, numbness, and feelings of being outside the body result from use of ketamine [1]. Higher doses of one gram or more lead to unconsciousness and even death.
• Is it addicting?
  Yes, research links frequent use of ketamine to psychological addiction and to severe mental illness.

How can I avoid becoming a victim of rape under the influence of these drugs?

• Pour and prepare all beverages you consume.
• Do not leave your drink unattended. If you leave it (to dance, use the restroom, etc.), get a fresh drink when you return. Do NOT pick up or sip from any drink you have left unattended for even a few minutes.
• Keep your hand over your drink container.
• Do not drink out of large, open containers, such as punch bowls.
• Do not trade or switch drinks with others.
• Monitor the behavior of friends who seem more intoxicated than the amount of alcohol would warrant. If a friend seems intoxicated after drinking little, go with her to an emergency room.
• If you hear someone “kidding” about date rape drugs, pay attention. That is be a serious warning to leave that party and to avoid that individual.

Actions to take if you or someone you know has been drugged and assaulted:

1. Get to a safe place.
2. Do not shower, bathe, douche, or change clothes. If you need to urinate, collect a specimen to take to the emergency room, clinic, or private doctor.
3. Go to an emergency room, clinic, or private doctor for immediate treatment.
4. Ask the doctor to check for external and internal injuries, to test for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, and to do a urine test and blood work to look for the presence of sedating substances.
5. Call a rape crisis center for information and support, and, if you are able, report the situation to the police. Remember that seeking assistance from the police may help to prevent another young woman from suffering as you have.

Date rape is common, but it is never your fault. Take steps to protect yourself. Encourage your friends to protect themselves. And, if date rape occurs, get help immediately. Remember that you deserve the best help available.

References

1. Abramovitz, Melissa, (2001) “The Knockout Punch of Date Rape Drugs.” Current Health Mar2001, V.27, Issue 7, p18, 4p.
2. Rickert, V.I., Wiermann, C.M. (1998) “Date Rape Among Adolescents.”
3. McKinley Health Center, Student Affiars/University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/health-info/sexual/daterape/drape.html
4. Microgram (May 2000) 33, p.83.
5. Narcotics Detective Discusses Date Rape Drugs. Diversity Folio ( Oakland Post). V.34;n.88;p.5.

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