The use of substances to incapacitate victims for sexual assault has a dark history that stretches back centuries, but the modern understanding of “date rape drugs” took shape in the latter half of the 20th century. While alcohol has long been used to lower inhibitions, in recent decades there has been a significant rise in the use of drugs specifically intended to impair victims’ memory and ability to resist, often rendering them unconscious or confused.
A brief history of date rape drugs
The concept of drugging someone for the purpose of assaulting or robbing them isn’t new. Ancient texts describe the use of intoxicating plants or herbs for such purposes. However, in the modern era, pharmaceuticals and substances like chloral hydrate, first used in Germany in the 1870s, were some of the earliest examples of chemically-induced sedation for criminal purposes. By the mid-20th century, barbiturates and other sedatives were used more frequently in illegal contexts.
The public awareness of date rape drugs skyrocketed in the 1990s, when sexual assaults using the drug Rohypnol were on the rise. Known by the term “roofies,” media coverage of the increase in sexual abuse led to the term being generically applied to later pharmaceuticals used for drug-facilitated sexual assault, similar to Rohypnol. Although sexual assault cases involving alcohol are far more common, the unique danger of these drugs lies in their ability to incapacitate victims without their knowledge, often making it difficult for victims to remember the assault or even identify their attacker.
Common date rape drugs
A variety of substances can be used to incapacitate a person without their consent, but the most well-known date rape drugs are:
Rohypnol
Street names: Roofies, Forget-Me Pill, R2, Roche, Rope, Mexican Valium, Circles, La RochaThis drug is a powerful benzodiazepine that is occasionally used outside the U.S. as anesthesia before surgery. Rohypnol can make a victim drowsy, cause blackouts, impair their ability to form memories – which is why it’s notorious in sexual assault cases – and is only detectable for 60 hours after ingestion. Rohypnol is not manufactured or available for prescription in the United States.
Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
Street names: Easy Lay, Georgia Home Boy, Liquid X, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid E, Grievous Bodily Harm, Gib, G-riffic, Scoop, Soap, Salty Water, Organic Quaalude, FantasyGHB is a central nervous system depressant. It has legitimate medical uses in treating conditions like narcolepsy, but at high doses, it can cause sedation, unconsciousness, and memory loss. Its clear, odorless and tasteless nature makes it easy to mix into drinks, often without detection.
Ketamine
Street names: Special K, Vitamin K, Cat ValiumThis dissociative anesthetic is used medically for anesthesia but has a potent ability to cause confusion, hallucinations, and immobilization. Victims may feel disconnected from reality, experience amnesia, or lose control over their bodies.
Alcohol
While it is not typically categorized alongside other “date rape drugs,” alcohol remains the most prevalent substance involved in drug-facilitated sexual assaults. It can severely impair judgment, memory and physical resistance, especially when consumed in large quantities or mixed with other drugs.
How to recognize the symptoms of date rape drugs
The effects of date rape drugs vary depending on the substance, the amount ingested, and whether it’s combined with alcohol or other drugs. Common symptoms include:
- Dizziness or confusion. Victims often feel disoriented or lightheaded, and their ability to think clearly is significantly impaired.
- Nausea or vomiting. Many date rape drugs can upset the stomach, leading to sickness or vomiting.
- Drowsiness or unconsciousness. The sedative effects of drugs like Rohypnol or GHB can make victims feel extremely tired or cause them to pass out entirely.
- Memory loss. One of the hallmarks of date rape drugs is an inability to remember what happened while under the influence. Victims may have patchy or complete memory loss of the event.
- Impaired motor skills. Victims often find it difficult to move, speak, or control their body.
- Sudden feeling of intoxication. If someone has only consumed a small amount of alcohol but suddenly feels overwhelmingly drunk, a drug may have been added to their drink.
What to do if you think you’ve been drugged
Acting quickly is crucial if you believe you’ve been drugged, as these substances work fast and can impair your ability to make decisions. Here are key steps to take:
- Get to a safe location. If you’re in a bar, club, or social setting, alert a friend, trusted individual, or staff member, and immediately move to a safe area.
- Contact help. Call 911 or have someone contact emergency services. It’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Do not urinate if possible. Drugs like Rohypnol and GHB leave the body quickly, and a urine sample taken within 12-24 hours is crucial for detection. Inform medical professionals that you believe you’ve been drugged.
- Ask for a toxicology test. Even if you’re unsure, it’s important to request a drug test that screens for substances commonly used in drug-facilitated sexual assault.
- Seek support. After medical treatment, consider reaching out to local support services or sexual assault helplines to discuss your options and get the help you need.How to avoid getting drugged at a bar
How to avoid getting drugged at a bar
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 20% of women have experienced a rape or attempted rape during their lives. In addition, 81% of women and 43% of men have reported experiencing either sexual assault or harassment.
Knowing this, these product solutions are becoming an essential part of personal safety kits as a way to protect yourself and your drink from being drugged.
Drink-testing strips
These thin paper strips can be dipped into a drink to test for common date rape drugs like GHB, ketamine, and Rohypnol. The strip changes color if drugs are detected.
- Advantages: Portable, discreet, and easy to use. Users can carry them in wallets or purses and use them in any setting.
- Ideal For: Bars, parties, festivals and personal use.
- Designed to detect the possible presence of GHB and Keta in alcohol beverages
- Discreet and travel-friendly
- Allows you to test for the presence of GHB, Ketamine, and Rohypnol in beverages
- Reliable and quick
- Portable; designed to be carried in your wallet or pocket
- Easy to use
Protective drink covers
These are reusable or single-use drink lids that fit over glasses and bottles and prevent anyone from spiking your beverage.
- Advantages: Prevents drugs from being added to drinks and offers peace of mind.
- Ideal For: Outdoor festivals, house parties, bars, and clubs.
- Works on glass beer bottles, wine bottles and plastic soda bottles
- Dishwasher safe and reusable
- Scrunchie holds hidden drink cover in secret pouch
- Reusable and washing machine safe
- Features a unique sip system for easy and safe drinking
- Designed to prevent access to pills, powders, and beverage contaminants
Stay vigilant
The threat of date rape drugs remains a significant public health and safety concern. While education and awareness campaigns have helped bring the issue to light, individuals must remain vigilant. Understanding the risks, recognizing the symptoms and knowing how to respond can help mitigate the dangers associated with these predatory drugs.
