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 they are then sexually assaulted. Left in a helpless or unconscious state, they can’t escape, resist, or call for help.

It is also not unusual for teens and college students to mix these drugs purposefully 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

ROHYPNOL

What is Rohypnol?

Rohypnol (pronounced row-hip-nol) is a strong sedative which is similar to the drug Valium, but is 10 times stronger than Valium. 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, carbonated and alcoholic beverages. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless when dissolved in any liquid.

The effects of this drug are enhanced when 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” that 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 U.S. dollars. The drug’s amnesiac effects usually leaves 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…

• Rohypnol (pronounced row-hip-nol) is a strong sedative which is similar to the drug Valium, but is 10 times stronger than Valium. 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”.
• 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, experiencing memory lapse and cannot 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 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 is important.
• Believe in yourself. No one invites, causes or deserves to be sexually assaulted. 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, or appearance (salty taste, has 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 it will vary depending on the dosage, on whether alcohol was involved, your own body’s metabolism, and how soon you receive medical assistance.

Many women raped under the influence of the drug are unsure whether or not they were raped, 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.

To see a photo of Rophynol go to our Drug Photo page.

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 since it is made by “kitchen chemists” and there is NO quality control like 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 it 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, btw. To see some photos see our drug photos page, so you will know what they look like if you see them.

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. Or check out these websies: www.mninter.net/~publish/Photo21b.htm and www.maps.org/research/mdma/index    (For more drug links, go to the Drug Links page).

By now you are probably saying you have heard of Ecstasy and that it is not a date rape drug. It has been reported as a Date Rape Drug by law enforcement agencies in the United States and Canada, as it has been given unknowingly to many victims since its appearance in the mid-1980s.

So 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 from 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

Signs and symptoms of Ecstasy are similar to those of speed and cocaine…

• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Chills or sweating
• Heart rate very fast, and increase in blood pressure
• Rapid eye movement
• Tremors
• Inability to sleep

Avoid It!

We can’t emphasize this enough… Ecstasy is often mixed for recreation with other drugs 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 him or her.
• Get medical help, as soon as possible!  Stay with your friend and have someone else call for you! Have some 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 she or he is panicking, take the person to a quiet place and stay with them until they are calmed down. Try to get the person to breathe deeply and slowly.
• If she or he is vomiting while lying down, make them sit or stand up with their head down.
• If she or he is unconscious, loosen the person’s clothing and lay them flat on their back. If you know how to do CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) be prepared to do it, if you do not feel a pulse in them.
• 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.