Incidents With Date Rape Drugs in Massachusetts Push for New Bill
A sad reality for many people, with the majority being women, is the possibility of danger upon going for a night out. Many of those looking to have a good time find themselves in a terrifying and unfair position at the hands of others. Whether it is because of a stranger or someone they trust, having a drink tampered with causes a severe and dangerous situation and has led Massachusetts politicians to act. Learn more about the dangers of date rape drugs with Banyan’s Wilmington rehab center.
What Are Date Rape Drugs?
The term “date rape drug” refers to any type of substance used to make sexually assaulting a person easier. These drugs are intended to make it hard for the victim to know what is happening, effectively rendering them incapable of defending themselves. This can result in unwanted sexual contact or an inability to remember what transpired.
While the phrase “date rape” can lead those to believe this only occurs in relationships, the reality is that the victim does not even need to know the perpetrator for this to happen. There are many substances that can be used to do this, although the most common methods typically include alcohol, sedatives, GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid), ketamine, and Rohypnol (roofies).
Effects of date rape drugs can include:
- Difficulty moving or controlling the muscles
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sleepiness and dizziness
- Severe feelings of confusion
- Problems breathing properly
- Passing out
A recent surge in these instances has left Massachusetts lawmakers looking for a solution, with one particular story signaling a serious flaw in related medical procedures.
Massachusetts Senator Acts
Last month Brinly Meelia, a student at Northeastern University, made a TikTok post that went viral. She discussed her recent experience where she suspected she might have been roofied. When she began showing symptoms, she went to the hospital, only to be informed that they would not test her. The reason: she hasn’t been assaulted.
This nonsensical policy is now being challenged by Massachusetts State Sen. Paul Feeney, who has proposed “An Act establishing testing protocol and care for victims of date rape drugs.” This legislation seeks to reestablish the standard practice of testing for date rape drugs in state hospitals, regardless of whether an assault occurred or not. This would also require the state Department of Public Health to provide a list of common date rape drugs as a resource on its website.
The proposed legislation is being done with the intention of keeping citizens safe, but there are some actions we can personally take to help avoid these situations. For instance, it is worth evaluating the relationship we all have with alcohol and the feeling of being intoxicated. Whether a person is just going for a light buzz or an all-out bender, being intoxicated at any level can put them at risk.
If you are interested in taking steps to quit drinking but are finding the process too difficult on your own, our rehab in Massachusetts offers alcohol addiction treatment to help you achieve your goal. Even if you don’t feel you are in need of intensive care, Banyan Treatment Centers offers regular outpatient programs to help you break away from an alcohol dependency.
For more information about our Massachusetts addiction treatment center, call the intake specialists at Banyan today at 888-280-4763.
Source
- Office on Women’s Health – Date Rape Drugs
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