2008 Woodie Awards
Be wary of free drinks to prevent date rape
By Shaneen Y. Johnson
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: News
Originally published: 4/18/08 at 9:18 AM CSTLast update: 4/18/08 at 10:16 AM CST
There are three common date rape drugs: GHB, Rohypnol and Ketamine.
GHB or gamma hydroxybutyrate, also known as "grievous bodily harm" and "liquid ecstasy," is a central nervous system sedative.
GHB can cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, seizures, severe respiratory depression and coma. An overdose of the drug can occur quickly and be fatal.
Rohypnol, also known as "roofies," is a powerful sedative. The drug is not legally available for prescription in the U.S., and having it in possession is an intent to commit a crime.
Effects of Rohypnol may cause victims to feel intoxicated, have slurred speech, impaired judgment and difficulty walking; effects are often felt within 10 minutes and can last up to eight hours.
Ketamine, also referred to as Special K, K, Vitamin K or Cat Valimus, is a injectable anesthetic that is intended for veterinary use.
High doses of ketamine can cause delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression and potentially fatal respiratory problems.
Brown University defines these drugs as "predatory drugs" because they are used to incapacitate someone for the purposes of committing a crime, often sexual assault.
Alcohol is not considered a date rape drug, but the university found a link between alcohol and campus sexual assaults.
Fifty-five percent of female students and 75 percent of male students involved in acquaintance rape admit to having been drinking or using drugs when the incident occurred.
Ninety percent of all campus rapes occur when alcohol has been used by either the assailant or the victim.
As many as 70 percent of college students admit to having engaged in sexual activity primarily as a result of being under the influence of alcohol or to having sex they wouldn't have had if they had been sober.
According to Rominski, "The No. 1 date rape drug is ... alcohol. Why? It is legal and accessible and sold just about anywhere."
GHB or gamma hydroxybutyrate, also known as "grievous bodily harm" and "liquid ecstasy," is a central nervous system sedative.
GHB can cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, seizures, severe respiratory depression and coma. An overdose of the drug can occur quickly and be fatal.
Rohypnol, also known as "roofies," is a powerful sedative. The drug is not legally available for prescription in the U.S., and having it in possession is an intent to commit a crime.
Effects of Rohypnol may cause victims to feel intoxicated, have slurred speech, impaired judgment and difficulty walking; effects are often felt within 10 minutes and can last up to eight hours.
Ketamine, also referred to as Special K, K, Vitamin K or Cat Valimus, is a injectable anesthetic that is intended for veterinary use.
High doses of ketamine can cause delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression and potentially fatal respiratory problems.
Brown University defines these drugs as "predatory drugs" because they are used to incapacitate someone for the purposes of committing a crime, often sexual assault.
Alcohol is not considered a date rape drug, but the university found a link between alcohol and campus sexual assaults.
Fifty-five percent of female students and 75 percent of male students involved in acquaintance rape admit to having been drinking or using drugs when the incident occurred.
Ninety percent of all campus rapes occur when alcohol has been used by either the assailant or the victim.
As many as 70 percent of college students admit to having engaged in sexual activity primarily as a result of being under the influence of alcohol or to having sex they wouldn't have had if they had been sober.
According to Rominski, "The No. 1 date rape drug is ... alcohol. Why? It is legal and accessible and sold just about anywhere."
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