What you Need to Know

Rohypnol, gammahydroxybutrate (GHB), and ketamine are used to sedate and sexually assault victims. Commonly referred to as "date rape drugs", these drugs can be given to victims without their knowledge and can prevent them from resisting sexual assaults.The drugs can create an amnesia effect so that the victims are uncertain as to what, if anything occurred (PCAR Drug-Facilitated Fact Sheet, 2000).

Signs that you may have been drugged:
  • You feel as if you have been drinking alcohol when you have not.
  • You feel more drunk than your usual response to the amount of alcohol you’ve consumed.
  • You wake up very hung over, feeling “fuzzy”, experiencing memory lapse, and can’t account for a period of time.
  • You feel as though someone had sex with you, but you can’t remember.

 

"Date Rape Drugs"
Rohypnol
  • Roofies, Ruffies, La Rocha, Roche, R2, Rib, Rope
  • Manufactured by a pharmaceutical company
  • Not approved for medicinal use in the U.S.
  • Colorless, odorless, and tasteless
  • Can take the form of a powder or pill
  • Effects: drowsiness, impaired motor skills, confusion, amnesia, blackouts, low blood pressure, muscle relaxation
  • Begins to affect the person within 30 minutes; effects peak after two hours, but can last for over eight hours
  • Remains in blood for 2 to 4 hours after ingestion and in urine for 72 hours  
 
Ecstasy
  • “E”, Essence, Hug Drug, XTC, “X”
  • Used in the ‘70s to facilitate psychotherapy
  • Popular with the “rave” crowd
  • Typically a small, colored pill with a cartoon or symbol imprint
  • Effects: dehydration, increased blood pressure, increased pulse rate, nausea, dilated pupils, blurred vision, confusion, paranoia, anxiety
  • Suppresses the need to eat, drink, or sleep
 
GHB
  • “G”, Easy Lay, Liquid X, Georgia Home Boy
  • Occurs naturally in body in small amounts
  • Banned by the FDA due to its harmful side effects
  • Manufactured in home labs
  • White or sandy colored powder or clear liquid
  • Effects: dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, amnesia, seizure-like activity, coma, slow heart and breathing rate
  • Begins to affect the person within 15 minutes of consumption and lasts for three to six hours
  • Remains in blood for 4 hours after ingestion and in urine for 12 hours 

 

Ketamine
  • “ K”, Special K, Vitamine K, Kit Kat
  • Legally produced as an anesthetic
  • Colorless, odorless, and tasteless
  • Can be in liquid or powder form
  • Effects: hallucinations, dizziness, unconsciousness, flashbacks, vomiting, increased heart rate, low blood pressure
  • Begins to affect the person within 5-20 minutes; effects may last 2 to 8 hours