DRUG FACILITATED RAPE

Sexual assailants using some form of alcohol/drug on their victims prior to the assault has been happening for many years. While alcohol remains the #1 choice, there are over 20 other drugs (legal and illegal) being used by sexual assailants on their unsuspecting victims.

Three of these drugs gaining national attention include GHB, Rohypnol and Ketamine.

GHB is gamma-hydroxybutyrate. It is a synthetic drug that acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. It is most commonly made in a clear liquid but has been produced as a white crystalline powder. It is odorless, colorless and has a slightly salty taste. GLIB is an illegal homemade drug and is illegal for anyone to produce or sell this drug in the United States. While GLIB has been found to be used in drug facilitated rapes, other uses include steroid alternative for body building, sleep disorders, and recreational use because of its intoxicating effects which can be felt within 15 minutes. It can be life threatening when ingested with alcohol or other drugs. You may be unable to recall what happened while under the influence of GHB.

EFFECTS: Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, respiratory depression, suppression of the gag reflex, intense drowsiness, unconsciousness and coma.

STREET NAMES: Scoop, Easy Law, Grievous Bodily Harm (GLIB), Liquid X, Liquid E, G, Liquid Ecstasy, Vita-G, G-Juice, Soap, Gook, Gamma 10, Energy Drink, Georgia Home Boy, Great Hormones, Bedtime Scoop, Somatomax, Cherry Meth, Fantasy, Organic Quaalude, Natures Quaalude, and Gamma-OH.

ROHYPNOL: Rohypnol is a controlled substance and is illegal to manufacture, distribute or possess in the United states. it is produced and sold legally by doctors in 180 countries for severe sleep disorders. It is usually found in tablet form and occasionally found in liquid form and is usually white in color. It is dime-sized and dissolves quickly in beverages such as soft drinks. When dissolved in alcohol it can leave a bitter taste. Rohypnol is described as a sedative 10 times more potent than valium. It is a fast acting sedative and physical effects may be noticeable within 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion.

EFFECTS: Drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, impaired motor skills, dizziness, disinhibition, impaired judgment, difficulty walking and reduced level of consciousness.

STREET NAMES: Roofies, Ruffles, Rophies, Roches, Roaches, Rope, La Roaches, Rib, Forget Pill, Circles, Lunch Money, Mind-Erasers, Whiteys, Trip-And-Fall, Mexican Valium, Pappas, Potatoes, and R2s.

KETAMLNE is an anesthetic and has been approved for usage in the United States. It is primarily used in veterinary medicine although it is also used in hospitals and dental offices. It can be found in liquid, powder and tablet form. The liquid form can either be injected, applied to smokeable materials or consumed in drinks. It's potential for abuse as a date rape drug is not very high due to the aromatic nature of the compound although it is gaining popularity in some areas. It is called "dissociative" in action (the body is "separated from the mind" or "out-of-body experience"). Ketamine can effect the senses, judgment and coordination for 18 to 24 hours. Ketamine abuse has been reported at "rave (energetic all-night happenings) parties. It's tendency to render the user comatose makes it a dangerous drug for rave parties.

STREET NAMES: Special K, Ket, Vitamin K, K, KitKat, Cat Valiums, New Ecstasy, Psychedelic Heron, Ketalar, Super-K, Ketaject, and CK (combination of Ketamine and Cocaine).

WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS AGAINST
DRUG-FACILITATED RAPE

• Pay attention to color, texture, and taste of your drink.

• Never leave your drink unattended.

• Do not drink from a pre-purchased beverage.

• Only accept beverages from your bartender or server and watch them pour your drink.

•  If ordering a drink (beer, soda, bottled water, etc.) which has a cap, ask for the beverage to be brought to you uncapped.

•  Never accept a drink from a stranger or casual acquaintance.

•  Utilize the "buddy system where your friends watch you for any unusual behavior and vice versa.

•  Do not share or exchange drinks.

•  Do not take drinks from large open containers such as a punch bowl.

•  If your attention is diverted, place your hand over your drink.

•  Bring your own beverages. Whether you choose to drink, soda, or any other beverage bring your own drinks and keep in a container you have control over.

• Educate yourself and others about the drugs in your area that have been used to sexually assault.

• If someone offers to buy you a drink, accompany them to the bar and watch the bartender pour the drink.

• If you suspect you have drank a beverage that has been tampered, you should be taken to the hospital immediately or call 911. A urine sample should be given immediately. If possible, keep a sample of the beverage for analysis. 

•  Pay attention to the behavior of others. If you notice someone who appears disproportionately intoxicated in relation to the amount of alcohol consumed or if you notice someone tampering with a beverage, seek the appropriate help immediately.