Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault

“Date Rape Drugs” - What You Need To Know About Them

Date rape drugs are a growing concern on campuses across the country. Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine have gained notoriety as drugs used to facilitate sexual assault. Many of these “club drugs” are used recreationally, by choice, at bars, raves, or other dance parties. Unfortunately, they have also been used by perpetrators of sexual assault at an increasing rate. These drugs are often used to facilitate sexual assault because they mimic severe intoxication and can quickly incapacitate an individual, making them unable to consent, or escape from a dangerous situation. It is difficult to determine when these drugs are used in sexual assaults because they metabolize in the body quickly and therefore don’t show up on a blood or urine test. Moreover, they induce memory loss, which makes it difficult for the victim to recall details of the assault. The use of drugs to incapacitate an individual and complete assault is illegal.

Rohypnol

It is a potent tranquilizer which produces a sedative affect, amnesia, muscle relaxation, and slowing of psychomotor response. Usually found in pill form, production and distribution of Rohypnol is legal in many countries. For instance, it is frequently prescribed in Europe as a sleep aid. Therefore, Rohypnol may be a bigger threat in international areas, where students tend to travel for Spring Break. However, Rohypnol is often brought back to the US by people who have traveled to other countries.

Rohypnol is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and dissolves without leaving any traces and takes effect approximately 10-20 minutes after ingestion. Rohypnol can be added to any liquid (effect lasting 2-8 hours), but when added to alcohol it produces disinhibition and amnesia (effect lasting 8-24 hours). Rohypnol can be detected in the blood for 24 hours and in the urine for 48 hours. Some individuals use Rohypnol as an alcohol extender for a rapid and dramatic high. This is something to watch for in social settings if individuals seem extremely intoxicated after consuming only a small amount of alcohol. Hoffman-La Roche™ has reportedly changed the formula to slow the dissolving process.

Street Names include:

GHB

It is an odorless, colorless, liquid depressant with anesthetic qualities, used mostly by young adults at clubs, raves or dance parties. GHB is usually distributed as a liquid, but can also be a sodium salt in powder or tablet form commonly dissolved in water. People who have used this drug report it gives a feeling of relaxation, tranquility, and increased sex drive, but also describe being “really drunk,” and experience confusion, intense sleepiness, dizziness, weakness, memory loss, headaches, hallucinations, and vomiting. The drug takes effect 10-15 minutes after ingestion and lasts 2-3 hours unless combined with alcohol, where the effect may last 20-30 hours. Large doses can induce sudden sleep within 5-10 minutes.

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Ketamine

It is a powerful anesthetic used as an animal tranquilizer. It is available in liquid or powder form, and is frequently used recreationally as a “club drug.” Ketamine causes hallucinations, amnesia and dissociation (a feeling where the mind seems separated from the body, sometimes called a ‘K-hole”). Ketamine can also cause weakness and difficulty with motor functions.

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To Decrease Risk

McKinley Health Center does not test for predatory drugs. Students who would like to be tested should report to an emergency room, as soon as possible.

If a person suspects he/she has been drugged, they should seek medical assistance. If an assault has occurred, you should not have to pay for any drug testing, as it will be covered under the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Emergency Treatment Act (SASETA). However, if there has been no assault, but you would like testing, you may have to pay for it yourself. Talk with your healthcare provider to find out what your best option would be.

Additional Resources for questions or concerns