Try to stay around as many people as possible until help arrives, and drink as much water as you can to help flush the drug from your system. Because you may lose consciousness very quickly in this situation, acting fast is essential at the onset of any signs you’ve been roofied. Drugs that people use for sexual assault usually leave the body within hours, leaving no trace. After going to the https://sober-home.org/is-alcoholism-a-mental-illness/ emergency room or calling 911, individuals should tell the doctor, nurse, or dispatcher that they may have been drugged and request immediate testing. Rohypnol is the trade name for the drug flunitrazepam, a medication used to treat severe insomnia in some countries, though it is not legal in the United States. It’s a part of the benzodiazepine class of drugs along with Valium and Xanax.
Severe Health Effects & Risks of Rohypnol
Don’t shower or bathe until prior to going to the hospital as it could destroy evidence. If you suspect someone has slipped https://sober-house.net/watch-out-alcohol-and-anxiety-causes-risks-and/ you an illicit drug, call 911 immediately. Don’t drive, and don’t leave the area you’re at unless you’re in danger.
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Like other drugs on this list, it can make it harder for you to speak clearly, control or move your muscles, think as quickly as usual, or make decisions. How you’re affected and how long the effects last depend on the type of date-rape drug you’re given. If you’ve been roofied, you might instantly feel very drunk and sleepy. You could feel sick to your stomach, dizzy, and have trouble standing or walking.
Immediate Actions if You Suspect Being Roofied
- In fact, despite being a Schedule IV substance, possession, distribution and manufacturing of Rohypnol carry the same criminal charges as Schedule I substances such as heroin.
- Individuals can use several of these drugs, including Xanax (alprazolam) and Klonopin (clonazepam), to incapacitate someone for the purpose of sexual assault.
- Local governments, public safety and public health agencies continue to be concerned about roofies and similar drugs for several reasons.
- Outside of the United States, due to its quick-acting effects, Rohypnol is sometimes prescribed as a short-term treatment for insomnia.
- Blood pressure will drop and people will become drowsy and eventually black out (lose consciousness.) Side effects of Rohypnol typically peak within two hours but can persist for up to 12 hours.
When a date rape drug begins to cause symptoms and how long they last depends on how much you are given and whether it’s mixed with alcohol or other drugs. Symptoms of date rape drugs generally include dizziness, confusion, and loss of memory. In the United Kingdom, the use of flunitrazepam and other “date rape” drugs have also been connected to stealing from sedated victims. Roofie symptoms begin within a few minutes of taking the drug, and include mental confusion, muscle relaxation, and slurred speech.
Withdrawal can occur with Rohypnol use, as with other benzodiazepines. Seizures, behavioral changes, anxiety, and insomnia can be side effects of long-term use. Some adverse reactions, such as insomnia, may occur after only a few days of use.
The Experience Blog
Flunitrazepam — known as Roofies, Mind Eraser or Poor Man’s Quaalude — is a depressant sold (as Rohypnol) overseas for treatment of insomnia. It is illegal to possess in the United States, since it’s not approved for manufacture, sale, use or importation, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) 2017 Drugs of Abuse Resource Guide. Someone who has been roofied will feel extremely intoxicated very quickly. They may suddenly feel more amorous and sexual and respond emotionally to others in ways that are not characteristic for them.
Today, there are blue-colored tablets, formulated to be visible in a drink, as well as the colorless Rohypnol tablets. Perpetrators will use the colorless tablets to conceal their aims. They may also crush and dissolve the pills or tablets in a strong-flavored alcoholic drink.
Date-rape drugs are powerful drugs that prevent you from refusing sex or leaving an unsafe situation. To protect yourself when you go out, stick close to friends and keep an eye on your drink all night. If you think you’ve been drugged and sexually assaulted, go to an ER as soon as possible to get help.
If the police catch a perpetrator, they can use this kit to prove their guilt. One of the most common and well-known benzodiazepine drugs individuals use in this way is Rohypnol (flunitrazepam). Rohypnol causes a person to feel very relaxed, weakens their muscles, and may cause loss of muscle control. Some people may also lose consciousness or feel dizzy and confused. Flunitrazepam can be measured in blood or plasma to confirm a diagnosis of poisoning in hospitalized patients, provide evidence in an impaired driving arrest, or assist in a medicolegal death investigation.
They might not remember what happened while under the influence of the drug. Research also shows that about 11 million women are survivors of rape while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. There is no conclusive data on the purposeful use of drugs for sexual assault on survivors of any sex, but law enforcement is reporting that the number is rising.
In fact, Rohypnol — which is 10 times stronger than Valium — is illegal in the U.S., according to the Department of Justice, but is legal in other countries, where it’s used to treat insomnia. The drug is smuggled into the U.S. via other countries, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. addiction and recovery Recovered is not a medical, healthcare or therapeutic services provider and no medical,psychiatric, psychological or physical treatment or advice is being provided by Recovered. Ifyou are facing a medical emergency or considering suicide or self harm, please call 911immediately.