Rohypnol: What Is
It?
Rohypnol (the brand name of
Flunitrazepam) is a Benzodiazapine like the tranquilizer
Valium. Rohypnol has been called the "date rape drug" because
of its use in sexual assaults. Rohypnol produces profound,
prolonged sedation, a feeling of well being and short term memory
loss. Sedation occurs 20 to 30 minutes following
administration of just 2 mg of the drug and lasts from eight to 24
hours. Since March of 1996, United States Customs has made
it illegal to bring this foreign-based prescription into the
country as well.
Recognizing
Rohypnol
In the United States, Rohypnol is commonly found in its 0.5 mg or
1.0 mg tablet form or in a 2 mg/ml solution that can be
injected. It is trafficked to street dealers and college
towns throughout the country. It is very cheap (a tablet can
be bought for a street value of $1 to $5). It has a very
innocent appearance (the small, round, white tablets which are
packaged in bubble packets have a clean, pure look) and can easily
be mistaken for aspirin. In some forms it is odorless,
tasteless, and colorless. The manufacturer of Rohypnol has
developed a new formulation, which dissolves more slowly and
releases a bright blue color as it dissolves. In darker
beverages the drink appears murky.
GHB: What Is
It?
GHB, Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid,
is a drug that can have aphrodisiac and intoxicating effects
without resulting in a hangover. It is illegal and is
sometimes used as a "date rape drug." GHB used alone or with
other drugs can cause seizures, insomnia, anxiety, nausea,
dizziness, loss of peripheral vision, hallucinations, coma, or
death.
Recognizing
GHB
GHB comes in a lumpy, white powder form or as a clear liquid.
It can be snorted, smoked, or mixed in drinks.
GBL: What Is
It?
BEWARE of the common fat burner also used as a muscle builder and
sleep aid. A drug used for these purposes as well as a
natural high is yet another potential "date rape drug." GBL,
a dietary supplement, has been found to create similar symptoms as
GHB (used for sedating a potential rape victim). The FDA
recently recalled this popular dietary supplement after finding
that it activates natural opium-like substances within the brain
causing sedation. The result can be seizures, vomiting, slow
breathing, slow heart rate, and loss of consciousness. The
fact that GBL resembles GHB is noteworthy as we consider the
potential dangers of being "slipped" this drug unknowingly.
Under the influence of this drug, one could potentially be unaware
of being a target of sexual assault.
"Date Rape Drugs"
Sedative Effects
- Drunk appearance
- Drowsiness
- Light-Headedness
- Staggering
- Confusion
- Vertigo
- Muscle Relaxation
- Visual Disturbances
- Impairment of psychomotor
function
- Amnesia that lasts up to 24
hours
Rohibitril (The Mexican
Version of Klonepin)
- a very bitter tasting
drug
- causes a very deep
sleep
- usually it's use is by
choice
- potential for abuse as a "date
rape drug" is not very high due to the noticeable taste
Ketamine
- approved in the U.S. as an
anesthetic used by vets for farm animals
- usually used by
choice
- potential for abuse as a "date
rape drug" is not very high due to aromatic nature of the
compound
Burundanga
- a plant source Scopolamine used
for motion sickness
- alcohol effect is greatly
potentiated when used in combination with alcohol
Safety & Reducing
The Risk
- Never leave beverages
unattended.
- Don't accept drinks from
someone you don't know well.
- At a pub, bar, or nightclub,
accept drinks only from the bartender or server.
- When drinking, keep an eye on
your friends and ask them to watch out for you. If someone
else seems extremely drunk after having only a small amount of
alcohol, roofies may be involved.
Help! (Actions To
Take If Drugged / Assaulted)
- Go to a safe place.
- If you want to report the
assault you should not shower, bathe, douche, change clothes, or
clean up the area where the assault occurred. These actions
could destroy evidence.
- On campus, call Campus Police
at x6911; Off campus, call local Police at 911.
- Go to the University Health
Center or RMH emergency room for treatment of injuries and urine,
pregnancy, and STD testing.
- Call the Office of Sexual
Assault & Substance Abuse Prevention at x2831.
Programming
Available
We have developed an
informational program on Rohypnol, the "date rape drug," also known
as "Roofies." Contact our office to schedule a program for
your JMU group or organization at x82831.
