Date Rape Drugs

"Date Rape Drugs"

Alcohol has been the "date rape drug" of choice for years. Now there are some "new" drugs on the market, which are being used for date rape. These drugs are Rohypnol, and GHB, or gamma hydroxybutyrate. They're used to "spike" unsuspecting victim's drinks. This can be easily done because these drugs have no odor, color or taste when put into a drink. These drugs are being increasingly used by youth - in many cases as a date rape drug because of its ability to affect willpower. A 2mg dose of these drugs in one beer can put a person flat on their back, awakening with no memories of what happened them.

Alcohol is a depressant drug; it slows the activity of the brain and the spinal cord. Beer, ale, wine, and hard liquor contain varying percentages of alcohol. One average drink equals one 12oz. can of beer, 5oz. of wine, or 1.5oz. of 80 proof whiskey. It takes at least one hour to sober up from each average drink consumed. As alcohol enters the blood stream it knocks out the control centers of the brain, resulting in intoxication. The stages of intoxication range from "happy" to "confused" to "comatose". Poor judgement and loss of control over ones actions are the results of one's intoxication. A person in a state of intoxication is more vulnerable to being raped. Alcohol poisoning and even death can occur. Now imagine all these effects with the addition of Rohypnol and GHB added to the mix (scary huh?).

Rohypnol is the brand name for a drug called Flunitrazepam, which is a sedative that is about 10 times more powerful than valium. In other words, it completely knocks you out. After ingested, the drug only takes 10 minutes for the person to feel its effects and they can last for about 8 hours. Rohypnol greatly reduces a person's inhibitions. It also causes nausea, hot and cold flashes, dizziness, and disorientation. The person may not be able to talk or move and will eventually pass out with no memory of what happened. Sometimes people under the effects of this drug experience hallucinations similar to LSD, better known as acid.

Rohypnol comes in tablet form, and is usually white. It is also known as "roofies," "roopies," "roach," or the "forget pill." Rohypnol, especially combined with the effects of alcohol, can lead to death. Rohypnol is legally sold in Latin America and in Europe, but it is not legal in this country. The Drug Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996 was recently passed to increase the penalties for possession and distribution of Flunitrazepam. Some of the penalties included in this legislation include the following: A maximum sentence of 20 years for anyone who distributes a controlled substance to a person without that person's knowledge with intent to commit a crime of violence (such as rape) against that person.

GHB, also known as Liquid Ecstasy, is used in the same way as Rohypnol. GHB is in a liquid form, and has no color or taste. This makes it very easy to slip into drinks. It is made from a combination of engine degreaser and lye. GHB is popular on the dance club circuit because in small doses it can heighten your mood. But, in larger quantities, it can knock you out very quickly