What
is the "date rape" drug?
The "date rape" drug is the common name for Rohypnol,
generically called flunitrazepam. Rohypnol is manufactured by
Hoffman-La Roche and prescribed as a sleeping pill in countries
outside of the United States. It is used as a short-term treatment
for insomnia, as a sedative hypnotic and a pre-anesthetic. It
has physiological effects similar to Valium (diazepam), but
is approximately ten times more potent. It is used also as an
illicit drug, often in combination with other drugs, such as
heroin, cocaine, and alcohol. Common names for Rohypnol include
the following: rophies, roofies, R2, roofenol, Roche, roachies,
la rocha, rope, rib, circles, Mexican valium, roach-2, roopies,
and ropies. A similar drug is known as clonazepam (Klonopin
in the U.S. and Rivotril in Mexico.)
What
does Rohypnol look like?
Rohypnol tablets are white, scored on one side, with the word
"ROCHE" and an encircled one or two (depending on
the dosage) on the other. They are sold in pre-sealed bubble
packs of one or two mg doses. Rohypnol can often be dissolved
in a drink, and undetectable.
Is
Rohypnol legal?
No, Rohypnol is not manufactured or sold legally in the United
States. However, it is produced and sold legally by prescription
in Europe and Latin America. It is smuggled into the United
States by mail or delivery services.
Who
uses Rohypnol and how?
Rohypnol use has been reported on every inhabited continent.
It is often used in conjunction with other drugs. It is usually
ingested orally, but can be snorted. Teen use of Rohypnol is
increasing. The most common pattern of use is by teenagers and
young adults as an alcohol extender in an attempt to create
a dramatic "high" most often in combination with beer,
or as a drug to incapacitate a victim before a sexual assault.
Why
has there been an increase in teen use of Rohypnol?
First, Rohypnol is a low-cost drug, sold at less than $5.00
per tablet. Second, common misconceptions may explain the drug's
popularity with young people: 1) many erroneously believe that
the drug is unadulterated because it comes in pre-sealed bubble
packs -- and therefore tamper-proof and safe; 2) many mistakenly
think its use cannot be detected by urinalysis testing.
What
happens when you take Rohypnol? What are the side effects?
Rohypnol intoxication is generally associated with impaired
judgment and impaired motor skills and can make a victim unable
to resist a sexual attack. The combination of alcohol and Rohypnol
is also particularly hazardous because together, their effects
on memory and judgment are greater than the effects resulting
from either taken alone. Effects begin within thirty minutes,
peak within two hours, and can persist for up to eight hours.
It is commonly reported that persons who become intoxicated
on a combination of alcohol and flunitrazepam have "blackouts"
lasting eight to twenty-four hours following ingestion. Disinhibition
(losing your social inhibitions) is another widely reported
effect of Rohypnol, when taken alone or in combination with
alcohol. Adverse effects of Rohypnol use include, decreased
blood pressure, memory impairment, drowsiness, visual disturbances,
dizziness, confusion, gastrointestinal disturbances and urinary
retention.
Is
Rohypnol addictive?
Yes. Rohypnol can cause physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms
include headache, muscle pain, confusion, hallucinations and
convulsions. Seizures may occur up to a week after cessation
of use.
Why
is Rohypnol called the "date rape drug"?
Rohypnol has been associated with date rape, and has also been
called the "Forget Pill," "Trip-and-Fall,"
and "Mind-Erasers." In combination with alcohol, it
can induce a blackout with memory loss and a decrease in resistance.
Girls and women around the country have reported being raped
after being involuntarily sedated with Rohypnol, which was often
slipped into their drink by an attacker. The drug has no taste
or odor so the victims don't realize what is happening. About
ten minutes after ingesting the drug, the woman may feel dizzy
and disoriented, simultaneously too hot and too cold, or nauseated.
She may experience difficulty speaking and moving, and then
pass out. Such victims have no memories of what happened while
under the drug's influence.
Are
there other "date rape" type drugs?
Since about 1990, GHB (gamma-hydroxybutrate) has been abused
in the U.S. for euphoric, sedative, and anabolic (bodybuilding)
effects. As with Rohypnol, GHB has been associated with sexual
assault in cites throughout the country. Common names include,
"liquid ecstasy," "somatomax," "scoop,"
or "grievous bodily harm."
How
can I avoid becoming a victim of rape under the influence of
Rohypnol or GHB?
Here are a few suggestions for staying aware and alert:
Be
wary about accepting drinks from anyone you don't know well
or long enough to trust. · If you are accepting a drink,
make sure it's from an unopened container and that you open
it yourself.
Don't
put your drink down and leave it unattended, even to go to the
restroom.
Notify
other females you know about the effects of this dangerous drug.
If
you think that you have been a victim, notify the authorities
immediately.
How
to combat date rape drug
- a new test
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