The Basics on Date Rape Drugs

Rohypnol is also known as Roofies, Rope, Ruffies, Roche, or the Forget-Pill. It is a tranquilizer that creates a sedative effect, amnesia, and muscle relaxation.

Rohypnol takes ten to twenty minutes after ingestion to take effect. It can be detected in your blood for twenty-four hours, and in urine for forty-eight hours.

It can be added in any liquid, not just alcohol. However, when added to an alcoholic beverage the effect can last up to twenty-four hours.

Rohypnol is colorless and odorless, yet, it may discolor the drink or bubble. It is extremely difficult to be sure if someone is drugged; if your friend seems intoxicated after only drinking a little-or none at all-leave the party and get to a safe place.

Rohypnol is a schedule IV drug in the United States. It is illegal to sell or possess without a legal license in America.

GHB:

GHB is also known as Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Scoop, or Easy Lay. It makes a person relaxed, tranquil and have a loss of social inhibitions.

GHB is also colorless, and odorless but usually distributed in a tablet or sodium salt. Like any other Date Rape Drug, the victim may appear intoxicated after drinking very little. However, if taken in large doses, GHB can cause abrupt sleep in five to ten minutes.

GHB takes effect ten to fifteen minutes after indigestion. It lasts two to three hours but if taken with alcohol the effects can be felt up to thirty hours.

GHB is a schedule I drug in the United States.

Ketamine:

Ketamine is also known as Special K, K, Ket, or Vitamin K. It is an animal tranquilizer and available in powder, liquid or pill form.

It's symptoms are paralysis, hallucinations, amnesia, and dissociation. It can take effect immediately upon indigestion and it's effects can last up to twelve hours.

Ketamine is also a Schedule III substance in the United States. It is illegal in many countries.

What to do if you think you have been drugged and/or raped:

Get safe immediately. Hopefully you came with a bunch of friends and pledged to stay together until the end of the party.

Get medical attention. It is better if you go straight to a clinic if you have been raped or think you may have been raped. You should not shower or clean yourself since they will examine you and evidence could be found. Your body is the crime scene. They will test your blood and urine for drugs, evaluate your injuries, and test you for STD's and pregnancy.

Report the Rape. If you are able to you should report the rape to the police and your university. This does not mean you are pressing charges-You can decide that later on.

Get counseling. Your health is more important than anything else in your life. Universities often have free counseling and an advocacy program for their students. If you are not enrolled in a university there are many other places that specialize in sexual abuse that have low prices.

Call 1-888-956-RAPE to find out the nearest rape crisis program in your area.