Topic Overview
Drugs that have been used in date rapes include flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and gamma-hydroxybutyrate
(GHB). These drugs inhibit a person's
ability to resist sexual assault.
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a central nervous system depressant.
GHB is a clear, odorless liquid that looks like water and so can be added to a
beverage without the person knowing it. It may also be used in the form of a
white powder. GHB is also known as liquid ecstasy, G, or soap.
At low doses, the drug relaxes the person. The person feels
intoxicated, has more energy, feels happy, and is talkative. Other effects
include:
- Feeling affectionate and
playful.
- Mild loss of inhibition.
- Increased
sensuality.
- Enhanced sexual feelings.
GHB can cause unwanted side effects, such as headache, drowsiness,
dizziness, and vomiting. It can lead to difficulty breathing, being conscious
but unable to move, and loss of consciousness-especially when it is combined
with alcohol or other drugs. GHB has been involved in overdoses, date rapes,
and death.
This drug does not stay in a person's system very long and is not
easily detected with drug screening tests (toxicology tests).
Flunitrazepam
Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) is a central nervous
system depressant. It is similar to diazepam (such as Valium) but about 10
times more potent. It is commonly called roofies. It
is a tasteless, odorless tablet that can be crushed and dissolved in liquid. It
has been used in date rapes, because it can be slipped into a person's drink
without it being detected. One small tablet can produce effects for 8 to 12
hours.
Flunitrazepam is sometimes used to enhance the high of heroin or to ease
the negative effects of a crack or cocaine binge. When flunitrazepam is mixed with
alcohol, its effects cause a person to not resist sexual assault. It can
produce a form of amnesia so that the person may not remember what happened
while under the influence of the drug. Flunitrazepam may lead to death when mixed
with alcohol or other depressant drugs.
Flunitrazepam is addictive.