Drug Awareness

What are Date Rape Drugs?

Slipping a "micky" into someone's drink is not a new concept, both men and women have fallen victim to this throughout the years. A newer version of "mickys" are being widely used in the rape of unsuspecting victims.

Rohypnol
The first of these "date rape" drugs is Rohypnol, "roofies", "forget pill". This drug is legal in over 60 countries for the treatment of insomnia and is also used as a sedative. In the U.S., however, it is NOT legal.

Unfortunately, the drug is tasteless and odorless, so most victims are not aware that it has been slipped into their drink. Within 10-15 minutes the drug can take effect. Some of the effects are dizziness, drowsiness and confusion; worst of all, victims have reported not being able to remember what has happened or where they have been.

This has created such a problem in the U.S. that Congress passed the "Drug Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996". This allows for up to 20 years of imprisonment for anyone caught distributing illicit drugs to others without their knowledge in order to commit a sexual assault.

GHB or Gamma-hydroxybutryate
Another drug, gamma-hydroxybutryate, GHB "liquid X," "g-juice," is also being used to incapacitate victims in order to sexually abuse them. GHB was once sold in health food stores to bodybuilders because it was believed to help stimulate muscle growth. It was pulled off the market in 1990 because of its bad side effects.

The effects of GHB are similar to those of Rohypnol; dizziness, confusion and memory loss. GHB is also colorless and odorless and is most commonly found in liquid form.

These drugs are inexpensive and easy to obtain making them frighteningly powerful weapons in the hands of potential rapists.

If you feel that you have been drugged or violated, you may want to consider taking the following steps:

Save any and all physical evidence (clothing, sheets, drinks, etc.)
Don't change, shower or douche
Go to the emergency room, or call the police for help

Special K
Ketamine Hydrochloride, also known as Special K and Vitamin K, is a powerful drug which is often found in raves and simliar atmospheres. People who take Special K experience a trance-like state accompanied by dizziness, halucination, increased senses, and even unconsciousness.

Special K has been associated with rape across the country and world, much in the same way rohypnol has been. As with all drugs and alcohol, a person on Special K is never capable of sexual consent, no matter how clear-headed they appear.

Sexual contact with someone on drugs or alcohol can be considered rape.