Ellen Campbell -Grizzle - PHARMACY TODAYTHERE ARE 'date rape' or 'predator' drugs that are used to pacify victims to sexually assault them. Several substances have this ability. However, Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid) are now notorious for use by rapists because they render victims physically helpless but responsive with little or no memory of what happened while the drug was in the body. They are fast-acting, odourless, often colourless and leave the body within 72 hours.
Rohypnol, commonly called 'roofies'", 'roachies', 'forget pill' and 'stupefi', is a sedative that is 10 times more powerful than Valium. There is an injectable form as well. It is used as a 'parachute drug' (allays depression and withdrawal after a stimulant high). Abusers state that 'roofies prolong oblivion' and lengthen the 'mellow' state when combined with heroin, alcohol, cocaine and ganja. The drug dissolves in seconds with peak effect within two hours. It remains in the blood for 24 hours and can be found in the urine up to 48 hours.
Within 20 minutes of taking Rohypnol, the user will experience dizziness, mental confusion, nausea, inability to speak clearly, decreased blood pressure, drowsiness and amnesia that can last up to eight hours. In response to the abuse of Rohypnol, the manufacturers have developed a new formulation that dissolves more slowly and releases a bright blue colour as it dissolves.
Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB), commonly called 'easy lay', 'clear X' and 'liquid dream' is often made in illegal laboratories and comes as a lumpy white powder or clear liquid. It can be snorted, smoked or mixed in drinks. The drug has been used by bodybuilders to increase body mass. It activates natural opium-like substances in the brain leading to sedation. Under the influence of this substance, one can be unaware of sexual assault. Within 10 minutes of ingestion, the user will experience relaxation, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, visual problems, slowed heart rate and sweating. High doses can cause coma within five minutes.
'Date rape' drugs affect judgement and the ability to think clearly and take appropriate decisions. Some other substances that facilitate date rape are alcohol, ketamine (a veterinary anaesthetic) and the plant Burundanga, a natural source of scopolamine used to treat motion sickness. All date rape drugs become more potent in combination with other addictive substances.
Rapists spike beverages by slipping predator drugs into drinks. Protect yourself and follow the SMART rule at discotheques or in unfamiliar settings:-
Sip only from cans you open yourself
Monitor your drink constantly
Avoid combining addictive drugs with alcohol
Refuse drinks offered from a punch bowl
Throw away any drink that tastes salty or 'strange'
A date rape drug tester is now available that that can screen for the presence of several of these drugs. You can help by monitoring your friends at parties and ask them to check constantly on you. Look out for unusual 'sudden drunk' appearance, drowsiness, staggering and confusion in these settings.
If you believe you have been raped, seek medical help immediately. Avoid bathing as this may wash away evidence. Remember, most date rape drugs are not detectible in the body after three days. If Rohypnol is prescribed for you, put your medicine away in a secure place and use only as recommended. If you want to know more about 'predator drugs', ask your pharmacist you have the right to know!
Ellen Campbell Grizzle, President, The Caribbean Association of Pharmacists (CAP) and Director, Information & Research, National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA).
