Socializing Safely: Avoiding Date Rape Drugs

As a college sophomore, Lori agreed to meet Doug, her dorm resident advisor, for a pizza supper after an evening class. They grabbed a corner table at the local student hangout and dug into a large pepperoni together. As they ate, they studied for their upcoming Renaissance history exam.

Lori slipped away from the table for just a moment to answer nature's call. On the walk back to the campus, she said she felt a little woozy. Doug took her arm and steadied her, as they entered the dorm.

The next morning, Lori woke up on the floor of Doug's room, bruised and broken.

How could this happen?

Lori was brave enough to call the local police and report the rape. An investigation uncovered the nasty truth. Doug had slipped Lori a date rape drug, probably while she stepped away from the pizza parlor table.

Other girls came forward, as authorities probed the issue. Apparently, Doug had tried this before.

What are date-rate drugs?

Date-rape drugs may include any of several chemicals that may be surreptitiously administered to an unwitting person, with an aim towards altering that individual's consciousness, inhibitions, and personal judgment.

They are known as date-rape drugs because of several high-profile criminal cases, in which young women were sexually victimized while unconscious. In each case, the rape victim had received drugs against his or her knowledge.

Technically, three compounds are most often used. These include GHB (gamma hydroxy-butyric acid), ketamine (ketamine hydrochloride) and rohypnol (flunitrazepam).

However, illegal street drugs, poisons, and even over-the-counter medications have found their way into malicious use by would-be sexual predators.

Who uses date-rape drugs?

Of course, we would like to imagine the most gruesome, sinister-looking people would be most likely to attempt something so wicked. However, law enforcement experts tell us the perpetrators are often very attractive looking, friendly, seemingly sociable individuals.

In fact, the majority of sexual assault crimes are committed by people their victims know personally, or people they trust.

Date-rape drugs are so-called because they are most often used by someone on a date, in an effort to coerce their dating partner to cross the line sexually.

This heinous criminal behavior is not limited to college campuses, singles bars or even younger folks. Law enforcement authorities advise people of every demographic background to be alert.

Where might such dangers occur?

People may be most concerned about date rape drug use in bars and taverns or at large group events and public places. It certainly pays to be careful in crowded spots, such as a Mardi Gras parade, a Super Bowl party, a World Series tailgate picnic or a March Madness gathering. Still, the threat may also exist in small parties in private homes, college dorms or other spots.

How can you protect yourself?

For a drug to work, you would have inject or ingest it. In other words, if you do take a drug on purpose, it would have to be injected directly into your body or secretly placed into something you eat or drink.

Some folks may be surprised to discover that date rape drugs may be just as easily added to non-alcoholic beverages (such as soda, coffee, juice or water) as they can to beer, wine and cocktails. Although chemical interactions may be quite hazardous, when drugs and alcohol are mixed, the date rate drugs will also work in unleaded drinks. Non-drinkers must be cautious as well!

Know your own space.

When you are out in public, on a date or otherwise, you should always be aware of your own personal space. Even on a crowded dance floor, at a concert or in a packed watering hole, you can be cautious about those who stand near you. If you suddenly feel threatened somehow, you can walk away. Tell a trusted friend, a bouncer, a police officer, or another authority what has happened.

If you suddenly feel something poke or prick you, stop whatever you are doing to investigate. Occasionally, people have been attacked with date-rape drugs through sudden hypodermic injections.

Guard your food and drink carefully.

If you are dining out, do not leave the table when your food is due to arrive. Try to remain until you have finished eating. The point is this: you do not want to leave your food unguarded at the table. Make every effort to save your restroom trips until after you complete your meal.

Never leave your drink unattended.

If you are sipping a drink at the bar, you should stay there until you have finished your beverage. If you simply must leave for a few minutes, you should order a fresh drink when you return.

Choose a covered container, if you can.

At a club, sporting event, or other active spot, you can certainly order your beverage in a can or bottle. Carry this with you, even to the restroom, if you must. Keep the top on your container, or hold your hand over the opening, while you walk around.

What if someone offers to buy you a drink?

Suppose a friend or stranger invites you for a drink. Perhaps he or she strolls up to you in a tavern and offers to purchase a beverage for you. How can you be sure your drink is untainted?

Easy! Walk up to the bar, and watch your drink being poured. Pick it up yourself, as you thank your beverage benefactor. You can be cautious without ever letting on that you are concerned.

It only takes a second for someone to dump a bit of powder, a few drops of liquid, or a capsule into your food or drink. Always, if something tastes funny to you, do not finish it. Leave half a drink or a plateful of food, if you must. You would much rather go without a bit than endure the aftermath of an attack.

Keep your wits about you. Never let your guard down, and you won't be surprised!

What other dangers are linked to date-rape drugs?

A good friend was on a business trip. He stopped in the hotel's cocktail lounge for a single drink after his evening meetings were concluded. He awoke the next morning in his hotel room with a large bump on his head and empty pockets.

After a criminal investigation, it became clear what had happened. An attractive woman in the bar had slipped him a "mickey" (sedative). He somehow made it to his hotel room before passing out, but he did not realize that this woman's co-partners in crime were tailing him.

He counted himself lucky that he survived this incident. Unfortunately, many others do not. It pays to be safe!

Author's Note:

Lori and Doug are fictitious names, although they do stand for real people. These events did happen at a seemingly peaceful, small private college.