| There
is a growing concern on campuses across the
country due to the presence of predator drugs.
This article will focus on three drugs threatening
personal safety:
- Rohypnol (Roofies, Rope,
Ruffies, R2, Ruffles, Roche, Forget-pill)
- Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate (GHB,
Liquid Extacy, Liquid X, Scoop, Easy Lay)
- Ketamine Hydrochloride ('K',
Special K, Vitamin K, Ket)
Rohypnol
It is a potent tranquilizer
which produces a sedative effect, amnesia, muscle
relaxation, and slowing of psychomotor response.
The pill is distributed in 0.5,1.0 to 2.0 milligram
form (Restrictions have been placed on the 2.0
mg form). It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless
and dissolves without leaving any traces. It
takes effect approximately 10 - 20 minutes after
ingestion. Rohypnol can be added to any liquid
(effect lasting 2-8 hours) but when added to
alcohol it produces disinhibition and amnesia
(effect lasting 8 - 24 hours). Rohypnol can
be detected in the blood for 24 hours and in
the urine for 48 hours. Some individuals use
Rohypnol as an alcohol extender for a rapid
and dramatic high. This is something to watch
for in social settings if individuals seem extremely
intoxicated after consuming only a small amount
of alcohol. Hoffman-La Roche is working on changing
the formula so trace particles or a color would
appear when Rohypnol is dissolved.
Street Names: Roofies, Rope,
Ruffies, R2, Ruffles, Roche, Forget-pill.
GHB
It is an odorless, colorless,
liquid depressant with anesthetic qualities.
It is also used as an amino acid by bodybuilders.
GHB is usually distributed as a sodium salt
in powder or tablet form commonly dissolved
in water. This drug gives a feeling of relaxation,
tranquillity, sensuality, and loss off inhibitions
(especially for women). The drug takes effect
10 - 15 minutes after ingestion and lasts 2
- 3 hours unless combined with alcohol, where
effect may last 20 - 30 hours. Large doses can
induce sudden sleep within 5 - 10 minutes.
Street Names: Liquid Extacy,
Liquid X, Scoop, Easy Lay.
Ketamine
It is a new drug that has been
added to the predator drug category. It is a
powerful anesthetic used as an animal tranquilizer.
It is available in liquid, powder or pill form.
Ketamine causes hallucinations, amnesia and
dissociation (a feeling where the mind seems
separated from the body) making it attractive
for a potential date rapist.
Street Names: 'K', Special
K, Vitamin K, Ket.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
- Don't drink anything out
of a punch bowl.
- Monitor the behavior of friends
who seem more intoxicated than the amount
of alcohol would warrant.
- Never accept a drink from
someone you don't know and trust.
- If you hear someone "kidding"
about date rape drugs, pay attention. That
should be a warning to leave that party or
individual.
If a rape victim suspects he/she
has been drugged, he/she should request a drug
screen. New laws have been put into effect in
Illinois, and by the Federal government to address
the date rape drug issue.
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