Date Rape Drugs: Common Drugs, Effects and Prevention

In the U.S., approximately 1 in 13 college students report being drugged, according to a study from the Journal of American College Health. Unfortunately, less than 20% of drug-facilitated sexual assaults are reported due to memory loss, confusion, or fear of not being believed. This article delves into the history of date rape drugs, discusses the most commonly used substances, and explores modern preventive tools like drink test kits and their benefits.

Date rape drugs have been a growing concern in the U.S. for several decades. These substances are often used to incapacitate victims, making them more vulnerable to sexual assault, usually without their knowledge or consent. Date rape drugs are particularly dangerous because they can be colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it easy for perpetrators to slip them into drinks unnoticed.

The use of drugs to facilitate sexual assault predates the term “date rape drugs.” However, the issue gained widespread attention in the U.S. in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During this time, the increasing misuse of certain prescription and recreational drugs in sexual assaults began to be recognized in both legal and medical communities. One of the first drugs to emerge in connection with date rape was Rohypnol.

• 1990s: The Rise of Rohypnol

Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam), commonly known as "roofies," became a notorious date rape drug in the early 1990s. Although the drug was never approved for medical use in the U.S., it was widely prescribed in other countries as a potent sedative to treat insomnia. Rohypnol’s effects include extreme drowsiness, muscle relaxation, and memory loss, making it highly effective in rendering victims incapacitated. Once the drug is slipped into a drink, it takes effect within 20-30 minutes, lasting for several hours.

In response to growing concern over Rohypnol, the Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996 was passed, imposing severe penalties for the use of drugs like Rohypnol in sexual assault cases. The law also made it illegal to possess or distribute the drug without authorization in the U.S., further reducing its availability.

• Late 1990s and 2000s: The Emergence of GHB and Ketamine

Around the same time that Rohypnol was gaining attention, two other substances became widely associated with drug-facilitated sexual assaults: GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid) and Ketamine.

GHB is a depressant that produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and sedation when consumed in small doses. In larger doses, it can cause unconsciousness, memory loss, and confusion. GHB is particularly dangerous because it can be difficult to detect in toxicology tests after the fact due to its rapid elimination from the body. It was classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in 2000, which made its unauthorized use illegal.

Ketamine is an anesthetic primarily used in veterinary medicine but misused recreationally for its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects. In the context of sexual assault, ketamine causes paralysis, confusion, and amnesia, making it difficult for victims to resist or recall the assault. Like GHB, ketamine became a well-known date rape drug in the late 1990s and early 2000s due to its misuse in parties and club settings.

Although Rohypnol, GHB, and ketamine are the most commonly recognized date rape drugs, other substances can also be used in drug-facilitated sexual assaults. Here are some of the most prevalent drugs and how they work:

1. Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)

• Type: Benzodiazepine (sedative)

• Effects: Causes extreme drowsiness, muscle relaxation, and memory loss. It can also lead to dizziness, confusion, and unconsciousness.

• Detection: Rohypnol has a delayed onset of about 20-30 minutes and can remain active for up to 12 hours, making it difficult for victims to defend themselves or recall the assault.

2. GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid)

• Type: Depressant

• Effects: Causes euphoria, relaxation, drowsiness, confusion, and memory loss. In higher doses, it leads to unconsciousness, seizures, and potentially death.

• Detection: GHB is difficult to detect in toxicology tests because it metabolizes quickly in the body. Its effects usually last for 2-6 hours.

3. Ketamine

• Type: Anesthetic/Dissociative

• Effects: Causes sedation, confusion, hallucinations, and paralysis. Victims may experience a sense of detachment from their surroundings, making it difficult to defend themselves.

• Detection: Ketamine acts quickly, often within 5-10 minutes, and can remain in the system for several hours, making it difficult for victims to be aware of the assault.

4. Alcohol

• Type: Depressant

• Effects: Though not typically classified as a date rape drug, alcohol is the most commonly used substance in drug-facilitated sexual assaults. Its impairing effects on judgment, memory, and motor function make it easier for perpetrators to exploit their victims.

• Detection: Alcohol is legal and widely available, but when consumed in excessive quantities or mixed with other drugs, it can dramatically increase vulnerability.

5. Ecstasy (MDMA)

• Type: Psychoactive drug

• Effects: Ecstasy causes increased feelings of pleasure, euphoria, and heightened sensory perception. However, it can also cause confusion, disorientation, and memory loss, making it a potential date rape drug when combined with alcohol or other substances.

• Detection: Ecstasy’s effects last for about 3-6 hours, with residual effects potentially lasting longer.

While date rape drugs are a serious concern, there are measures individuals can take to protect themselves in social settings. These include:

• Never leaving your drink unattended.

• Accepting drinks only from trusted sources.

• Avoiding shared or open containers like punch bowls.

• Monitoring the behavior of friends and offering to help if they seem disoriented or impaired.

• Always use a date rape drug drink test if you are in doubt.

In addition to these safety practices, technological advances such as drink test kits have become an effective tool in preventing drug-facilitated sexual assault.

While awareness has grown over the years, so too have the preventive measures designed to combat their use, such as drink test kits. Research from the University of Illinois found that less than 2% of drug-facilitated sexual assault cases involving date rape drugs like GHB or ketamine are confirmed through toxicology tests, as many of these substances leave the system within a short timeframe. Early detection and prevention through the use of drink test cards is essential.

Drink test kits are a proactive way to protect against the risk of unknowingly consuming a date rape drug. These kits are easy to use and can quickly detect the presence of common drugs like Rohypnol, GHB, and ketamine. By offering an extra layer of security, they empower individuals to safeguard themselves in environments where these drugs may be used.

Drink test kits are a discreet and convenient addition to your personal safety plan that can be easily carried and used in public settings like bars, clubs, or parties. Each kit contains 20 tests (2 on each card) and the business card sized tests come in a water tight container that is about the size of a cell phone. Here’s how they work:

1. Test the Drink: A small drop of the drink is placed on the test strip.

2. Reaction to Chemicals: The kit immediately detects the presence of specific chemicals found in common date rape drugs.

3. Color Change: If a harmful substance is detected, the strip changes color, indicating the drink has been tampered with.

These kits are portable, discreet, and non-intrusive, allowing users to test their drinks quickly and without drawing attention.

• Enhanced Safety: Drink test kits provide an easy way to detect harmful substances, giving individuals peace of mind in social situations.

• Quick and Reliable: These kits offer near-instant results, allowing users to quickly determine if their drink has been tampered with.

• Discreet Use: Designed to be small and inconspicuous, many kits resemble everyday items like coasters or makeup accessories, making them easy to use without drawing unwanted attention.

• Raising Awareness: The availability of drink test kits raises public awareness about the dangers of drug-facilitated sexual assault and can act as a deterrent to potential perpetrators.

• Venue Adoption: Many bars and social venues now offer drink test kits to their patrons, creating safer environments and enhancing their reputations for prioritizing customer safety. In fact, California law now requires all bars and clubs to have date rape drug tests available upon request for their patrons.

While drink test kits are an invaluable tool, alcohol remains the most common substance used in drug-facilitated assaults, and it cannot be detected by these kits. Additionally, perpetrators may use less common or undetectable drugs. As such, vigilance remains critical. Individuals should:

• Keep an eye on their drink at all times.

• Look out for one another in social settings.

• Be mindful of the amount of alcohol you consume.

While the risk of date rape drugs remains a serious issue, advancements in awareness, legal action, and the availability of prevention tools like drink test kits offer valuable defenses. These kits provide individuals with a discreet and immediate way to test their drinks, empowering them to take control of their safety in social environments. However, no single method is foolproof, and vigilance remains essential. Combining personal safety practices with the use of drink test kits will greatly reduce the likelihood of drug-facilitated sexual assault. Party safe and watch out for one another!