By Alan I. Leshner, Ph.D., Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse
Bethesda, Md--(COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Oct 9, 2001--Things about college life haven’t changed over the years, but others have, especially for coeds: Date and campus rape has become more prevalent. And college women have had to learn to be more wary and protect themselves.
Recently, a new danger has been added into the mix: colorless, tasteless, odorless drugs - GHB, Rohypnol, and ketamine. These “date rape drugs” have shown up at campus parties and clubs and have been used surreptitiously to sedate coeds as a prelude to sexual assault. Dropped into alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, the drugs are so effective that they render women physically weak and impair their memory.
GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid, G, liquid ecstasy, GHB) is a central nervous system depressant that relaxes or sedates the body. The drug comes in clear liquid, white power, or tablet or capsule form. The Drug Enforcement Administration has documented GHB in 15 cases of sexual assault involving 30 victims.
Rohypnol (roofies, rophies, roach, rope, and the forget-me pill) is the trade name for flunitrazepam, a drug in the same family as Valium�, Halcion�, and Xanax�. The drug, which is used abroad as a sedative, a pre-surgery anesthetic, and an aid to sleep, is not approved for use in the U.S.
The sedative-hypnotic effects of Rohypnol include muscle relaxation and amnesia. If it’s used in sexual assault, the victim may not remember the assault, the assailant, or what took place. To detect whether the drug has been used, the victim must provide urine samples for testing within 72 hours.
Ketamine (Special K, vitamin K, and cat Valium) is an injectable anesthetic used primarily by veterinarians. The drug is produced in liquid form or as a white powder. It, too, provides sedative, hypnotic, and hallucinogenic effects, similar to those of the drug PCP but with faster and more potent results.
In 1996, Congress passed the “Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act,” creating Federal penalties for use of any controlled substance as an aid in sexual assault. This year, the “Hillory J. Farias and Samantha Reid Date-Rape Drug Prohibition Act of 1999,” named after two young women who died in club drug-related incidents, made GHB a Schedule I controlled substance.
What are the telltale signs of drug-induced intoxication? - A more intense response to alcohol, memory lapse or loss of time, and/or feelings that you have had sex but can’t remember parts of or the entire incident.
How can you keep yourself safe?
Learn more about these drugs and date/campus rape by contacting your campus rape crisis center. Information for college students on GHB and Rohypnol is also available from the Rape Treatment Center at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center (800-END-RAPE).
Be sure you know the people you socialize with and keep on eye on whatever you are drinking. Enjoy yourself, but play it safe.
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