Lately we have received a lot of inquiries regarding date rape drugs. With many proms and graduations just around the corner we want to share information and tips with you on how to avoid being the victim of a date rape drug. While the majority of incidents involving date rape drugs are against women, this is an issue that also affects business men having a drink in a bar who are targeted for robbery by a beautiful woman.

How to protect yourself:

• If someone offers you a drink from the bar at a club or a party, accompany the person to the bar to order your drink, watch the drink being poured and carry the drink yourself.
   
• Don't leave your drink unattended while talking, dancing, using the rest room or making a phone call.
   
• If you realize that your drink has been left unattended, throw it away.
   
• If in doubt - throw it out.
   
• Don't drink from a container that is being passed around.
   
• Don't take a drink from a punch bowl. (If you are the parent hosting a graduation consider serving something other than punch as it is too easy for someone to slip a date rape drug into the punch and you will not be aware of the dangers until it is too late.)
   
• Cover your drink with your hand or a coaster at a busy bar or club. It is easy to be distracted and not notice someone slipping a little something into your drink.

Rohypnol
Street Names: Roofies, Ruffies Ruffles, Rope, Roche, R2, Forget-pill
It is a potent tranquilizer which produces a sedative affect, amnesia, muscle relaxation and slowing of psychomotor response. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and dissolves without leaving any traces. It takes effect approximately 10 - 20 minutes after ingestion. Rohypnol can be added to any to any liquid and its effect lasts 2 - 8 hours. When it is added to alcohol it produces amnesia and a loss of inhibitions and its effect last 8 24 hours.

GHB
Street Names: Liquid Extacy, Liquid X, Scoop, Easy Lay
It is odorless, colorless liquid with anesthetic qualities. It is also used as an amino acid by bodybuilders. GHB is usually distributed as a sodium salt in powder or tablet form commonly dissolved in water. The drug takes effect 10 - 15 minutes after ingestion and lasts 2 -3 hours unless combined with alcohol, where its effect may last 20 -30 hours. An overdose of this drug combined with alcohol causes comas and can result in death.

Ketamine
Street Names: Special K, 'K', Vitamin K, Ket
This is a new drug that has been added to the predator drug category. It is a powerful anesthetic used as an animal tranquilizer. It is available in liquid, powder or pill form. Ketamine causes hallucinations, amnesia and dissociation making it attractive for a date rapist.

© 2004 Violence Free

If you would like permission to reprint our article in your company newsletter all you need to do is e-mail us at safety@violence-free.com or call us at 623-242-8797.
 

	Return to the Safety News index GO