Date rape drugs are drugs used to make rape or sexual assault easier. Sexual assault is any type of sexual activity that a person does not agree to. It can include touching that is not okay; putting something into the vagina; sexual intercourse; rape; and attempted rape.
Date rape, also known as drug-facilitated sexual assault, occurs in two ways: when the perpetrator takes advantage of a victim’s voluntary use of drugs or alcohol or when the perpetrator intentionally forces a victim to consume drugs without their knowledge.
These drugs, which often have no color, smell, or taste, can be slipped into your drink when you are not looking, so you can’t tell if you are being drugged.
The drugs can make you weak and confused—or even pass out—so that you are unable to refuse sex or defend yourself. If you are drugged, you might not remember what happened while you were drugged.
Here are the 3 drugs you should take note of to avoid being a victim:
1. Ketamine
Street names are Special K, Vitamin K, KitKat, and Purple Bump
Ketamine, a common rape drug, is very fast-acting. You might be aware of what is happening to you, but unable to move. It also causes memory problems. Later, you might not be able to remember what happened while you were drugged.
Ketamine can cause these problems:
- Distorted perceptions of sight and sound
- Lost sense of time and identity
- Dream-like feeling
- Feeling out of control
- Vomiting
- Memory problems
- Numbness
- Depression
2. Rohypnol
Street names are Roofies, R-2s, Roches, the Forget-Me pill, Whiteys, and Mind-Eraser
The effects of Rohypnol can be felt within 30 minutes of being drugged and can last for several hours. If you are drugged, you might look and act like someone drunk.
You might have trouble standing. Your speech might be slurred. Or you might pass out. Rohypnol can cause these problems:
- Muscle relaxation or loss of muscle control
- Drunk feeling
- Problem with talking
- Nausea
- Loss of consciousness (blackout)
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Lower blood pressure
- Stomach problems
- Death
ALSO READ: How To Heal And Get Your Life Back If You Have Been Raped
3. GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate Acid)
Street names are Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid G, Easy Lay, Liquid Ecstasy, Georgia Home Boy and Great Hormones at Bedtime.
GHB takes effect in about 15 minutes and can last 3 or 4 hours. It is very potent: A very small amount can have a big effect. So it’s easy to overdose on GHB. Most GHB is made by people in home or street “labs.” So, you don’t know what’s in it or how it will affect you.
GHB can cause these problems:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Loss of consciousness (blackout)
- Problems breathing
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Slow heart rate
- Coma
- Death
How Not To Be A Victim
- Don’t accept drinks from other people.
- Open drinks yourself.
- Keep your drink with you at all times, even when you go to the bathroom.
- Don’t share drinks.
- Don’t drink from a punch cup or other common, open plastic. They may already have drugs in them.
- If someone offers to get you a drink at a bar or party, go with them to order your drink. Watch the drink being poured and carry it yourself.
- Don’t drink anything that tastes or smells strange. Sometimes, GHB tastes salty.
- Have a nondrinking friend with you to make sure nothing happens.
- If you realize you left your drink unattended, pour it out.
- If you feel drunk and haven’t drunk any alcohol or, if you feel like the effects of drinking alcohol are stronger than usual, get help right away.
