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Below are the names, descriptions and effects of some of the drugs that have been used to facilitate sexual assaults.
DATE RAPE DRUG INFORMATION |
| DRUG NAME |
DEFINITIONS |
EFFECTS |
Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), anxiety, sleep
disturbances
Also Known As:
Roofies, Rope,
Mexican Valium |
Part of the benzodiazepines drugfamily. It is used for the treatment of anxiety, sleep disturbances and anesthesia. It is tasteless, colorless, odorless and dissolves quickly in liquids. |
Dizziness, confusion, stomach upset, temporary paralysis, blackouts, amnesia, loss of control and loss of inhibitions. Mixed with alcohol or other drugs will intensify the above effects and may last up to 24 hours |
Gamma
Hydrozybutyric Acid
(GHB)
Also Known As:
Easy Lay, Scoop,
Liquid ecstasy,
Liquid Soap,
Liquid Sex
|
Started out being used by body builders to stimulate muscle growth. GHB looks, usually, like a clear, syrupy liquid or a powder form, not unlike laundry detergent. It tastes unpleasant, salty, and has a mild odor. Usually, it is slipped into fruit drinks or strong shots so the taste is not apparent. |
The person feels as though they are extremely intoxicated and may experience impaired judgment. Other symptoms may include: nausea, vomiting and hallucinations; violent, aggressive behavior and uncontrollable twitching; extreme drowsiness, weakness, and reduced muscle-tone, blood pressure, and respiratory rate; dizziness and confusion; hypothermia and seizure-like activity; suppression of the Gag Reflex and coma/death. Effects may last 3 to 6 hours. |
Gamma Butyrolactone
(GBL)
Also Known As: Renewtrient, Blue Nitro, Revivarant, Reinforce
|
Almost identical to GHB, the only difference is that the body turns GBL into GHB once in the system. GBL can be found in dietary supplements and industrial cleaners. |
Same as GHB. |
Ketamine
Also Known As: Special K, Vitamin K, K Cat, Ketaset
|
For use as a veterinary anesthetic or animal tranquilizer. Can be found in either powder, pill, or liquid and can be snorted, swallowed, or injected directly into the muscle. |
Ketamine can cause a dissociation of the mind from the body. (called a "K-Hole"). It works much like LSD or PCP and produces similar side-effects. The p e rson may hallucinate and feel as through they have entered another reality. The drug blocks all sensory input to the brain, so the brain fills in the spaces. This works to the rapist's advantage, because the victim suffers from amnesia and hallucinations which may make recollection nearly impossible. Small doses block the bodies pain response, causing self-injury and larger doses lower the heart-rate, leading to oxygen depletion of the brain and muscles. Overdoses can cause the heart to stop beating and, possibly, temporary paralysis. The effects of Ketamine may only last an hour or less, but person's senses, judgment, and coordination may be affected for 18 to 24hours |
Burundanga (scopolamine) |
Used to alleviate motion sickness or Parkinson's disease. Soluble and Tasteless. |
Disorientation, talkative, retrograde amnesia and causes a "walking trance." |
Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers) |
Most commonly prescribed drug to treat anxiety, relieve tension and help promote sleep. |
Clumsiness, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mixed with alcohol or other drugs can increase the sedative effect. |
Barbiturates |
Can come in the form of pills, Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, capsules and syrups. Used mainly as a sedative and to relax people. |
Clumsiness, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mixed with alcohol or other drugs can intensify effects and be fatal |
Ways to Protect Yourself:
- When at a bar, campus or private party, never leave your drink unattended.
- Take your drink with you wherever you go, even to the restroom.
- If you do leave your drink unattended, throw it out and get a new one.
- Watch your friends' drink if they are not alert
- Use the "buddy" system.
- Watch the bartender as he/she makes your drink.
- Never accept a drink from someone you do not know well.
- Avoid open drinks, such as punch.
What to do if you suspect that you've been drugged:
Date rape drugs can be life threatening! Ruby Memorial Hospital is well equipped to handle date rape drug issues. Many drugs can be detected up to 96 hours after ingestion, but within 24 hours is best. Discuss the possibility of sexual assault with a physician; hospital emergency departments are best equipped to deal with both the drug and assault possibilities.
- If a sexual assault is suspected, avoid showering if possible, and save the clothes you wore. This will facilitate forensic investigation.
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