Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault

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

Predator 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. The use of drugs to incapacitate an individual and complete assault is illegal. Laws have been put into effect in Illinois, and by the Federal government to address the “date rape” drug issue.

The danger with these drugs is that delivery of them can incapacitate an individual. They are difficult to detect because they are often undetectable and they metabolize in the body quickly and therefore evade blood testing. Moreover, they induce memory loss, which makes it difficult for the victim to recall details of the assault. The best way to reduce the number of drug-facilitated assaults is through education and awareness.

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 surrounding the U.S. 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. 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:

• Roofies
• Rope
• Ruffies
• R2
• Ruffles
• RocheForget-pill

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.

Street Names include:

• Liquid G
• Bodily Harm
• G
• Grievous
• Liquid X
• Scoop
• Easy Lay

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”).

Street Names include:

• K
• Special K
• Vitamin K
• Ket
• Vet Valium
• Jet

TO DECREASE RISK

• Monitor the behavior of friends who seem more intoxicated than the amount of alcohol would warrant.
• Be aware that these drugs exist and are used on this campus.
• Never accept a drink from someone you don't know and trust.
• If you hear someone talking or "kidding" about these drugs, pay attention and if possible, challenge their behavior, letting them know you do not think it’s cool to use or joke about using drugs to incapacitate someone. You may want to leave that party or individual and report their alleged behavior to the appropriate authorities.
• Don’t leave your drink unattended when you are out in social settings.

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 would be your best option.

Additional Resources for questions or concerns

• The Office of Women’s Programs at 333-3137
• Rape Crisis Services at (217) 355-5203
• Alcohol and Other Drug Office (AODO) at 333-7557 – for information on club drugs

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