Psychoactive Drugs and Alcohol
Remember, consent must be given for sex. If it is not given, it is considered sexual assault. Under the influence of alcohol, CONSENT FOR SEXUAL ACTIVITY CANNOT BE GIVEN. The purpose of a Date Rape Drug is to render a victim incapable of resisting sexual assault. Unfortunately, the use of psychoactive drugs in rape situations is becoming widespread, especially on college campuses. These substances impair a person's ability to respond to a situation or to defend themselves if the need arises. It is fairly easy to assault someone after they have been rendered unconscious or immobilized by these drugs. Here is some important advice to always keep in mind:
- Educate yourself.
Find out about which date rape drugs are in current use, what they look like and the effects they have. If you recognize a drug or its packaging at a party, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY and contact the police.
- Party by the buddy system. Stick together or check in with friends every 20 minutes. If something seems strange, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. Watch for signs of over-intoxication.
- Bring your own drinks. Whether or not you choose to drink alcohol, bring your own beverages and keep them in containers you can tightly cover.
- Do not accept drinks from anyone other than a bartender or waitress. Always open your own drinks if they are offered by someone else. Do not accept drinks from a punch bowl or other open container.
- Never leave your drink unattended. If you go to the bathroom, take it with you. If you get up to dance, finish it or take it with you. A friend left to watch your drink can easily get distracted.
- Don't drink anything that has a funny smell, color or taste. If it seems strange, THROW IT OUT! Get to a hospital to be tested for the presence of date rape drugs.
If the woman suspects a date-rape drug - such as GHB or Rohypnol - was used in an assault, it is important to get tested for it within four to eight hours.
Alcohol has been the "date rape drug" of choice for years. Now there are some "new" drugs out on the market which are being used for date rape. These drugs really aren't new, they're just being used in some "new" ways. These drugs are Rohypnol, (pronounced Row-hip-nawl), and GHB, or gamma hydroxy butyrate. They're used to "spike" unsuspecting victim's drinks.
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 means 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 rapidly enters the blood stream it knocks out the control centers of the brain, resulting in intoxication. The levels of intoxication range from "happy" to "confused" to "in a coma." Poor judgment and loss of control are the results of intoxication. A person in a state of intoxication is more vulnerable to being raped. Alcohol poisoning and even death can occur.
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. The Hoffman-LaRoche company manufactures the drug and sells it world-wide as a sedative. Rohypnol, however, is not available for medical use in the U.S. After ingested, it takes only 10 minutes for the person to feel its effects and they can last for about 8 hours. Many people are slipping this drug into others' drinks. Don't put yourself at risk when you go to a bar or a party by leaving your drink behind while you go to the restroom. These drugs have also been added to punch at college parties. Rohypnol greatly reduces a person's inhibitions. It also causes nausea, hot and cold flashes, dizziness and disorientation. The recipient may not be able to talk or move and may 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 stamped with "ROCHE" in a half circle over the number 1. It is also known as "rufies," "roopies" or "roach." These tablets generally sell for $2 to $5 a dose. Rohypnol, especially combined with the effects of alcohol, can lead to death.
There are some ways to protect yourself from the possible harm of these drugs. Don't go to parties alone or to parties where you don't know anyone. Watch your drink at all times and don't leave it unattended. Don't accept a drink from anyone you don't know and also be aware of your surroundings. Always use the "buddy system" and never leave your friends behind. If you suspect that you've been drugged and sexually assaulted, go to the Emergency Room immediately. Request urine samples and tests for Rohypnol and GHB. Rohypnol leaves the body in 36 to 72 hours, depending on the strength of the dose. GHB leaves the body between 10 to 12 hours.
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