One fear many women have when going out is whether their drinks will be drugged—a popular modus operandi for rapists. Date rape drugs are chosen, according to the New Britain Sexual Assault Crisis Service's Counselor Advocate Training Manual, because they “are odorless and colorless and can easily be slipped into someone's drink. They cause dizziness, disorientation, loss of inhibition and a loss of consciousness. They can also produce amnesia, causing a victim to be unclear of what, if any, crime was committed.” These drugs are often combined with alcoholic beverages, which increase their effect. The three most common date rape drugs are GHB, Rohypnol and ketamine.
GHB
GHB, or gamma hydroxybutyrate, is illegal in the United States. Available mostly in liquid form, GHB is a depressant that is extremely dangerous when mixed with alcohol. According to the Counselor Advocate Training Manual, “researchers do not know precisely how GHB affects neurochemistry; however, it is seen as a very powerful sedative because small doses can lead to serious effects, such as a loss of consciousness. Evidence suggests that is easily crosses the blood-brain barrier—the physiological mechanism that regulates the release of chemicals and nutrients into the brain.”
Effects of GHB include loss of the gag reflex, nausea, difficulty concentrating and coordination problems. GHB also leaves the body very quickly and is not easily detected in testing. Vomiting, loss of consciousness, severe headache, slowed breathing, memory loss, insomnia, anxiety and tremors are all signs of a GHB overdose.
Rohypnol
Rohypnol, or flunitrazepam, is an illegal form of benzodiazepine, the same prescription class as Xanax and Valium. Also called a "roofie," Rohypnol is available in pill form and is extremely powerful. The Counselor Advocate Training Manual states that “at low doses, Rohypnol produces intoxication, muscle relaxation, and sedative-hypnotic effects that last two to eight hours. At higher doses, the body shuts down and breathing stops.” One of the most common side effects of Rohypnol is amnesia, which assailants use to their advantage.
Ketamine
Also called Special K, Vitamin K and Cat Valiums, ketamine is available as either a white powder or clear liquid. The Counselor Advocate Training Manual states that “ketamine blocks the neurotransmitter glutamate at one of its receptors, causing a user to feel distanced from his/her environment. But ketamine also causes the user to feel euphoric and insensitive to physical pain.” In high doses, ketamine can cause depression, delirium, amnesia or impaired motor function.
How to Protect Yourself
To prevent sexual assault, never leave a drink unattended. If you do put your drink down, ask for another beverage. If you feel strange after imbibing, seek help immediately.
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