Drug Induced Rape

How to Prevent Drug Induced Rape

The drugs Rohypnol and GHB are being used to render victims helpless in order to sexually assault them. Both drugs possess disinhibiting sedative and amnesiac properties. The drug is usually administered to the victim in an alcoholic drink at a bar, party, or social function.

This drug is a form of a sleeping pill belonging to the same class of drugs which include Valium, Librium and Xanax.

Common Street Names Roofies, Ruffies, Roche, R-Z, Rib, Rope, Stupefi, Shays, Roachies

Use and Effects Rohypnol is ingested orally, frequently in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs. The effects begin within 30 minutes, peak within 2 hours and may persist for up to eight hours or more depending on the dosage. Adverse effects of this drug are a decrease in blood pressure, memory impairment, drowsiness, visual disturbances, dizziness and confusion, and with some people it can cause excitability and aggressive behavior.

It is commonly reported that persons who become intoxicated on a combination of alcohol and rohypnol have "blackouts" lasting 6 to 12 hours following ingestion. Disinhibition is another widely reported effect. By itself, rohypnol is very unlikely to cause death but with alcohol the possibility exists that the combination could be fatal.

GHB was originally developed as an anesthetic, but withdrawn due to unwanted side effects. It has been used for the treatment of narcolepsy, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and more recently as a growth hormone stimulant and fat burning drug used by body builders. In 1990 the FDA banned the sale of GHB in the United States. GHB can be produced in the form of a white power, but it is more commonly encountered as an odorless, clear liquid. GHB has a salty taste which is masked when mixed with a drink. GHB will remain in a person's blood for approximately 4 hours and will remain detectable in the urine until it has been excreted.

Common Street Names GHB, Liquid E, Liquid X, Grievous Bodily Harm

Use and Effects GHB is primarily used by body builders with the false assumption that it will burn fat and increase hormone growth. It is promoted as a drug that will increase one's sexual awareness and lead to more intense sexual activity. Low doses result in a general feeling of euphoria, (similar to being moderately under the effect of alcohol) which include: decreased inhibitions, increased sociability, followed by drowsiness then sleep. Higher doses result in an immediate onset of intoxication leading to a deep unresponsive sleep, shallow breathing, decreased blood pressure and invariably anterograde amnesia. In conjunction with alcohol or any depressant drug it may be fatal.

This drug can easily be disguised in a beverage. Within a few minutes of drinking the liquid, the victim will appear intoxicated and become helpless. The individual coming to her aid will appear a good samaritan to those watching, but may be the one who spiked by drink and is planning to rape the victim. When the victim regains consciousness she will probably have no memory of the attack. Because GHB is quickly absorbed into the human body, evidence will be lost if the victim's blood or urine is not preserved soon after the attach.

Suggestions to Protect Yourself

When going to a bar, party or social event, never go alone.
Friends can watch out for each other.
Never accept a drink from anyone except the bartender and watch your drink being mixed.
Don't share or exchange drinks.
Never leave your drink unattended, allowing someone the opportunity to slip something into it. If you feel you are becoming severely intoxicated after only one or two drinks, get help. Call 911. You may have ingested GHB or Rohypnol.
Never leave a bar or club with someone you have just met, especially if you are feeling intoxicated. Beware of someone who wants you to go outside for a breath of fresh air.

Danger Signals Unfortunately, someone who seems to be a nice normal person can turn out to be a rapist. Remember: a rapist can be anyone. Rapists come from all social and professional backgrounds. However, there are some men who are more likely to be sexually aggressive than others. Watch out for: men who do not listen to you, ignore what you say, talk over you or pretend not to hear you. Such men generally have little respect for women. men who ignore your personal space boundaries. men who express anger or aggression towards women as individuals or in general, (hostile feelings can easily be translated into hostile acts) men who have wrong or unrealistic ideas about women (for example, "women are meant to serve men")

WHAT IS GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate)?.

WHAT IS ROHYPNOL?

REDUCE THE RISK OF BECOMING A VICTIM

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