ALCOHOL is the number one “drug” associated with the crime of sexual assault. It is sometimes used to “loosen-up” a date, acquaintance or even a friend to make them submit to sexual advances. Besides alcohol, there are other drugs that can make someone vulnerable to a sexual assault. These drugs may be slipped into a beverage or used recreationally. As a result, the person’s judgment and/or memory may be impaired, causing them to ask, “What happened?”

What are “date rape drugs?”
Certain drugs can incapacitate a person for a period of time and cause memory loss. These drugs may be colorless and odorless; their taste is easily masked. They may be in liquid form or dissolve easily in liquid.
After ingestion, effects can occur immediately or within 15 to 30 minutes. The drugs described here are often called “date rape drugs” because they quickly increase a person’s vulnerability to sexual assault.

Commonly used drugs and their effects GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate): Found in clear liquid or white powder form. The liquid has a slightly salty taste. It causes intense drowsiness, disorientation, seizures, sexually aggressive behavior, nausea/vomiting, unconsciousness, and coma. Other names: Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid Ecstacy, Easy Lay, Great Hormones, Somatomax, G-rifick, Georgia Homeboy, Ever Clear, Scoop, Cherry Meth, Great Hormones at Bedtime, Gamma 10. GBL (Gamma Butyrolactone): A clear liquid with a slightly salty taste. Colorant may have been added. It causes the same symptoms as GHB. Other names: Renutrient, Revivarant, Blue-Nitro, Rest-Eze, Invigorate, Miracle Organic Cleaner. 1,4 Butanediol: Used in liquid form, it causes the same symptoms as GHB. Other names: FX, Kava-Kava. Ketamine (Ketamine Hydrochloride): A controlled substance used as a liquid veterinary anesthetic; the street form may be liquid or powder. It produces vivid hallucinations, paranoia, impulsive behavior, sensory distortions, muscle rigidity, and loss of pain perception. Other names: Blind Squid, Cat Valium, Special K, Vitamin K, Kit Kat, Ket. Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam): Found as a small white pill with ROCHE imprinted on one side or as a dark green, elongated pill that causes light colored drinks to turn blue. Similar to, but 10 times stronger than Valium, it causes difficulty in speaking or movement, visual disturbances, excitability, aggressive behavior, decrease in blood pressure and breathing, and amnesia. Other names: Roofies, Rope, Roche, the Forget Pill, Mexican Valium, Basta, R2, Run-Trip-Fall, Stupefi.

How to reduce your risk of drug
facilitated sexual assault . . .

Trust your instincts

• If a situation feels unsafe it probably is. Tell a trusted friend and get to a safe place immediately.
• Surround yourself with people you trust
• Go out with friends you trust and use a buddy system. If a friend appears more inebriated than they should be for the amount of alcohol consumed, seek medical help.

Safety logistics

• Do not leave beverages unattended.
• Do not take any beverages, including alcohol, from someone you do not know well and trust.
• Accept drinks only from the bartender or wait staff at a bar or club.
• Do not accept open container drinks from anyone at parties.
• Be alert to the behavior of friends. Anyone appearing too intoxicated for the amount of alcohol consumed may be in danger.
• If there is reason to believe that someone has consumed a sedative-like substance, take them to a hospital emergency room or call 911. Try to keep a sample of the beverage for analysis.

Taking precautions may reduce your risk
but does not guarantee safety. Remember,
you are never to blame for a crime
committed against your will.

Things to note

• Perpetrators of sexual assault tend to manipulate, coerce and/or isolate a potential victim.
• People who target someone to assault frequently use alcohol and drugs as part of their plan.
• People who use drugs to facilitate sexual assault may work in pairs. One person might place the drug in someone’s drink, while the second person arrives as the drug is taking effect.
• Many times perpetrators, victims, friends and loved ones minimize the impact of the crime because alcohol and/or drugs were involved.
• Using drugs to facilitate sexual assault increases the penalty for the crime.

For more information or a downloadable brochure, please click here.