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Grand Valley State University Women's Center
Drug Facilitated Rape
Why the concern about these drugs and sexual assault?
Many people who use these drugs willingly or have been slipped these drugs pass out, wake up in strange places with someone they don't know, and wonder if they have been sexually assaulted. Besides physical safety, they have to worry about pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Many victims also need counseling.
What can you do?
- Watch your beverages at parties and bars--if you have to go to the bathroom, take your drink with you or buy another one.
- Don't accept a drink from someone you don't know or trust.
- Go to parties and bars with friends. Watch out for them and ask them to watch out for you.
Drug use associated with sexual assault is increasing. Young women and men are especially at risk. Most rape drugs are illegal in Michigan if you use them or just have them in your possession. It is also a federal offense to give someone a controlled substance for the purpose of sexual assault. Giving someone a drug resulting in injury or death may be considered manslaughter or murder. Sexual assault is against the law. Be informed and be safe!
Alcohol--The most common rape drug
Alcohol use by the victim or perpetrator is involved in 50-70% of sexual assaults. Alcohol acts as a depressant and depending on the amount taken, causes impaired judgment, unintentional injuries, and fatal overdoses. Most of us have seen people who have had too much to drink and realize that they could be potential victims of sexual assault.
Rohypnol
It is generally taken orally in pill form or can be ground up into a powder and added to a drink. This drug has profound sedative effects that slow reactions and coordination. It also causes amnesia and can last for up to 8 hours. After being given rohypnol, drowsiness, dizziness, and memory impairment occur. If alcohol is consumed at the same time, the effects can be much more intense. This drug is call "the date rape drug" because it can be added to a person's drink without the person's knowledge. Slang names include: roach, roofies, the forget pill, rope, R2, roofinol, la roche, rib, date rape drug.
GHB
This drug is usually odorless and is a clear liquid with a salty taste. People who use GHB appear drunk, have mood changes, increased heart rate, visual disturbances, and dizziness. It can also cause drowsiness, heavy sedation, and unconsciousness. There have been reports of death following its use. Like rohypnol, GHB can be slipped into a drink or food, which sets the stage for sexual assault.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a synthetic drug that comes in pill form. Ecstasy or MDMA is a drug that can make people feel like they can trust each other, break down barriers, and make one feel "loving" towards another. That is why it is so powerful when used as a "rape drug." Side effects include confusion, depression, severe anxiety, muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, faintness, increased heart rate and blood pressure. Long term effects are still being researched.
Ketamine
Ketamine is an animal anesthetic that causes hallucinations and puts users in a trance-like state. Long-term effects include impaired motor function, fatal respiratory problems, and lasting brain damage.
Nitrous Oxide
Inhaled from a balloon or bag, nitrous oxide produces a quick head rush. "Huffing" nitrous oxide can severely depress the central nervous system, lead to unconsciousness or coma, and cause brain damage.
Methamphetamine
A dangerous and unpredictable stimulant, methamphetamine comes in powder and chunk form. It produces an increased energy level and the ability to go without food or sleep for long periods of time. It is highly addictive and can cause paranoia, hallucinations, violent behavior, depression, and death.
LSD
LSD has been available for years and it poses special problems in clubs. The vivid hallucinations, or "trips," caused by LSD can be very dangerous in a hot, crowded club. LSD causes flashbacks years after taking it, and causes lasting brain damage.
Slang names: acid, microdot, boomers, blotter, yellow sunshine
Source: Planned Parenthood Centers of West Michigan (616) 774-7005
Alcohol--The most common rape drug
Alcohol use by the victim or perpetrator is involved in 50-70% of sexual assaults. Alcohol acts as a depressant and depending on the amount taken, causes impaired judgment, unintentional injuries, and fatal overdoses. Most of us have seen people who have had too much to drink and realize that they could be potential victims of sexual assault.
Rohypnol
It is generally taken orally in pill form or can be ground up into a powder and added to a drink. This drug has profound sedative effects that slow reactions and coordination. It also causes amnesia and can last for up to 8 hours. After being given rohypnol, drowsiness, dizziness, and memory impairment occur. If alcohol is consumed at the same time, the effects can be much more intense. This drug is call "the date rape drug" because it can be added to a person's drink without the person's knowledge. Slang names include: roach, roofies, the forget pill, rope, R2, roofinol, la roche, rib, date rape drug.
GHB
This drug is usually odorless and is a clear liquid with a salty taste. People who use GHB appear drunk, have mood changes, increased heart rate, visual disturbances, and dizziness. It can also cause drowsiness, heavy sedation, and unconsciousness. There have been reports of death following its use. Like rohypnol, GHB can be slipped into a drink or food, which sets the stage for sexual assault.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a synthetic drug that comes in pill form. Ecstasy or MDMA is a drug that can make people feel like they can trust each other, break down barriers, and make one feel "loving" towards another. That is why it is so powerful when used as a "rape drug." Side effects include confusion, depression, severe anxiety, muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, faintness, increased heart rate and blood pressure. Long term effects are still being researched.
Ketamine
Ketamine is an animal anesthetic that causes hallucinations and puts users in a trance-like state. Long-term effects include impaired motor function, fatal respiratory problems, and lasting brain damage.
Nitrous Oxide
Inhaled from a balloon or bag, nitrous oxide produces a quick head rush. "Huffing" nitrous oxide can severely depress the central nervous system, lead to unconsciousness or coma, and cause brain damage.
Methamphetamine
A dangerous and unpredictable stimulant, methamphetamine comes in powder and chunk form. It produces an increased energy level and the ability to go without food or sleep for long periods of time. It is highly addictive and can cause paranoia, hallucinations, violent behavior, depression, and death.
LSD
LSD has been available for years and it poses special problems in clubs. The vivid hallucinations, or "trips," caused by LSD can be very dangerous in a hot, crowded club. LSD causes flashbacks years after taking it, and causes lasting brain damage.
Slang names: acid, microdot, boomers, blotter, yellow sunshine
Source: Planned Parenthood Centers of West Michigan (616) 774-7005
Page last modified November 27, 2012
