THE DATE RAPE DRUG.

What is the "date rape" drug?
The "date rape" drug is the common
name for Rohypnol, generically called
flunitrazepam. Rohypnol is manufactured
by Hoffman-La Roche and prescribed as a
sleeping pill in countries outside of the
United States. It is used as a short-term
treatment for insomnia, as a sedative
hypnotic and a pre-anesthetic. It has
physiological effects similar to Valium
(diazepam), but is approximately ten
times more potent. It is used also as an
illicit drug, often in combination with
other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine,
and alcohol.
Common names for Rohypnol include the
following:rophies, roofies, R2, roofenol,
Roche, roachies, la rocha, rope, rib, circles,
Mexican valium, roach-2, roopies, and ropies.
A similar drug is known as clonazepam
Klonopin in the U.S. and Rivotril in Mexico.
What does Rohypnol look like?
Rohypnol tablets are white, scored on one
side, with the word "ROCHE" and an
encircled one or two
(depending on the dosage) on the
other. They are sold in pre-sealed bubble
packs of one or two mg doses.
Rohypnol can often
be dissolved in a drink, and undetectable.
Is Rohypnol legal?
No, Rohypnol is not manufactured or sold
legally in the United States. However, it is
produced and sold legally by prescription
in Europe and Latin America. It is
smuggled into the United States by mail
or delivery services.
Who uses Rohypnol and how?
Rohypnol use has been reported on every
inhabited continent. It is often used in
conjunction with other drugs. It is usually
ingested orally, but can be snorted. Teen
use of Rohypnol is increasing. The most
common pattern of use is by teenagers and
young adults as an alcohol extender in an
attempt to create a dramatic "high" most
often in combination with beer, or as a
drug to incapacitate a victim before a sexual
assault.
Why has there been an increase in teen use
of Rohypnol?
First, Rohypnol is a low-cost drug, sold at
less than $5.00 per tablet.
Second, common misconceptions may
explain the drug's popularity with young
people:
many erroneously believe that the drug is
unadulterated because it comes in
pre-sealed bubble packs -- and therefore
tamper-proof and safe
many mistakenly think its use cannot be
detected by urinalysis testing.
What happens when you take Rohypnol?
What are the side effects?
Rohypnol intoxication is generally
associated with impaired judgment and
impaired motor skills and can make
a victim unable to resist
a sexual attack. The combination of alcohol
and Rohypnol is also particularly hazardous
because together, their effects on memory
and judgment are greater than the effects
resulting from either taken alone.
Effects begin within thirty minutes, peak
within two hours, and can persist for up to
eight hours. It is commonly reported that
persons who become intoxicated on a
combination of alcohol and flunitrazepam
have "blackouts" lasting eight to twenty-four
hours following ingestion. Disinhibition
(losing your social inhibitions) is another
widely reported effect of Rohypnol, when
taken alone or in combination with alcohol.
Adverse effects of Rohypnol use include,
decreased blood pressure,
memory impairment, drowsiness,
visual disturbances, dizziness,
confusion, gastrointestinal disturbances
and urinary retention.
Is Rohypnol addictive?
Yes. Rohypnol can cause physical
dependence. Withdrawal symptoms
include headache,
muscle pain, confusion,
hallucinations and
convulsions. Seizures may occur up to
a week after cessation of use.
Why is Rohypnol called
the "date rape drug"?
Rohypnol has been associated with date
rape, and has also been called the
"Forget Pill,"
"Trip-and-Fall," and "Mind-Erasers."
In combination with alcohol, it can induce
a blackout with memory loss and a decrease
in resistance.
Girls and women around the
country have reported being raped after
being involuntarily sedated with Rohypnol,
which was often slipped into their drink by
an attacker. The drug has no taste or odor
so the victims don't realize what is
happening.
About ten minutes after ingesting the drug,
the woman may feel dizzy and disoriented,
simultaneously too hot and too cold, or
nauseated. She may experience difficulty
speaking and moving, and then pass out.
Such victims have no memories of what
happened while under the drug's influence.
Are there other "date rape" type drugs?
Since about 1990,
GHB (gamma-hydroxybutrate)
has been abused in the U.S. for euphoric,
sedative, and anabolic (bodybuilding)
effects.
As with Rohypnol, GHB has been associated
with sexual assault in cites throughout the
country. Common names include,
"liquid ecstasy," "somatomax," "scoop,"
or "grievous bodily harm."
How can I avoid becoming a victim of rape
under the influence of Rohypnol or GHB?
Here are a few suggestions for staying aware
and alert:
Be wary about accepting drinks from anyone
you don't know well or long enough to trust.
If you are accepting a drink, make sure it's
from an unopened container and that
you open it yourself.
Don't put your drink down and leave it
unattended, even to go to the restroom.
Notify other females you know about the
effects of this dangerous drug.
If you think that you have been a victim,
notify the authorities immediately.

Source: Women’s Health,
written by Tracee Cornforth