The Most Common Date Rape Drug

The term date rape was introduced in the 1980s to eliminate the belief that the majority of rapes and sexual assault occur randomly by strangers.¹

Before then, there was no term for a sexual experience that was nonconsensual but nonviolent. Unfortunately, the use of date rape drugs to make sexual assault more possible for assailants has increased. Because date rape drugs are commonly used while partying and clubbing, they are easily distributed to victims without them knowing. Nearly 11 million women in the U.S. alone have been raped or sexually assaulted while under the influence of a date rape drug.² Not only are these different date rape drugs used by assailants to commit horrible acts, but they can also cause physical harm to those who take them.

At Banyan Philadelphia, we know the harm that can result from the use of date rape drugs. That’s why we provide individuals suffering from the effects of these drugs a trauma treatment program. Here, patients can learn more about the roots of their addiction and recover from it in a safe and comfortable environment.

What are Date Rape Drugs?

A date rape drug is any kind of drug that is used to make rape or physical assault easier. They are given to victims in order to make them less physically able to defend themselves. These drugs or substances will cause a person to feel confused, sleepy, and unable to remember what happened. Date rape drugs can be taken as pills or dissolved into a drink. People not only use them to commit rape or sexual assault but for recreational purposes, as well. Users enjoy the sedative effect they give and will take them while clubbing or partying.

Any extent of drug use can be dangerous and cause severe health problems. People combatting drug use can get help in our rehabilitation center in Philly.

Different Date Rape Drugs

Many different drugs have a sedative effect on people, but the most common date rape drugs include GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid), Rohypnol (also known as roofies), ketamine, and alcohol.

GHB

GHB is a depressant that is sometimes prescribed by doctors to treat narcolepsy. However, this drug is commonly used among young adults at parties, bars, clubs, and raves. It’s usually mixed with alcohol to produce a sedative effect.

Aside from impaired concentration, it can also cause:³

• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea
• Hallucinations
• Amnesia
• Coma

Individuals who become addicted to this substance as a result of regular use should seek treatment in a partial hospitalization program.

Rohypnol

Rohypnol, or roofies, is a strong benzodiazepine that is also known as a tranquilizer. This drug is one of the most common date rape drugs because of its sedative effect. It normally comes in the form of a green tablet and can be swallowed, crushed, or snorted.⁴ Aside from causing sedation, this drug can be extremely harmful.

Some of its effects include:

• Lowered blood pressure
• Loss of muscle control
• Loss of consciousness
• Amnesia

The short-term effects of Rohypnol can be scary, but the continuous use of this drug can lead to health problems in the future.

Ketamine

Ketamine, otherwise known as a club drug, is a quick-acting drug with sedative and hallucinogenic effects. It’s usually injected, mixed into liquids, or snorted.

Addiction to ketamine cause harmful side effects including:

• Hallucinations
• Distorted sight
• Distorted hearing
• Immobility
• Amnesia
• Unconsciousness

Alcohol

Alcohol is commonly consumed in social settings, making it one of the most common date rape drugs. Because it lowers inhibitions and mobility, assailants will either encourage their victims to drink an excessive amount of alcohol or mix other date rape drugs in their drink.

Alcohol affects the body in several ways, including:

• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Inability to talk
• Lack of concentration
• Immobility
• Lack of muscle control
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Change in heart rate
• Confusion
• Trouble breathing
• Fainting

Date rape drug symptoms can be terrifying and lead to horrible health issues.

If you or a loved one has had a negative experience with drugs or alcohol or suffers from addiction, call us now 888-966-9413

Sources:

1. Britannica- Date rape
2. CDC- The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey
3. NIH- Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid: patterns of use, effects, and withdrawal
4. DEA- Rohypnol