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Drug-related rape
involves the use of recreational drugs that may be dangerously combined
with alcohol or other drugs to commit the crime of rape (i.e.
"spiking" a person's drink). Rape drugs
are
substances that may be used illegally to take advantage of a person.
More and more
teenagers are using drugs in combination with alcohol. This can be a
dangerous
and even deadly combination. Recreational use of drugs is a
personal choice. However, when your choice is violated, you may become a
victim.
recreational drug +
use = choice
recreational drugs +
alcohol/other drugs = misuse/abuse
recreational drugs +
alcohol/other drugs + unsuspecting person + sexual assault = crime!
Drugs
Alcohol
Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)
- Manufactured by
Hoffman-La Roche Pharmaceutical Company
- Used as a
sleeping aid or pre-surgical sedative
- Approximately 10
times the strength of Valium
- Physically
addictive
- Has never been
approved for medical use in the US
- Small, white
round tablet that dissolves quickly—resembles aspirin
- Odorless,
tasteless, and has no visible effect on a drink’s appearance
("safer", color-encapsulated and more slowly dissolving tablets
are currently not available in the
US)
- Street names:
Roachies, La Rocha, Rope, Rib, Roche, Roofies, Ruffies, Mexican
Valium, Rophynol, R-2, Forget Me Pill
- Can be lethal in
combination with alcohol
- Effects include:
drowsiness, impaired motor skills, impaired judgment, dizziness,
confusion, amnesia, nausea, disinhibition, and blackouts.
- Rohypnol
remains in the blood for 2 to 4 hours after ingestion and can be
detected
in the urine for up to 72 hours.
GHB (Gamma
Hydroxybutyrate)
- Originally
developed as an anesthetic
- Widely manufactured
in home labs or "kitchens"
- Uses have included:
treatment for narcolepsy, treatment for alcohol and opiate
dependency,
as a neurotransmitter, and as a performance enhancing additive to
body
building formulas
- A central nervous
system depressant that is abused for its intoxicating effects
- Can cause severe,
often uncontrollable side effects
- Grainy, white to
sandy-colored powder or clear liquid forms
- Common street names
include: Liquid E, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Grievous Bodily
Harm,
Georgia Home Boy, Cherry Meth, and Easy Lay, G
- With a street name
like "liquid ecstasy," it is often misused as the drug
Ecstasy
- Can be fatal in
large doses or over long-term use
- Side effects
include: nausea, dizziness, slow heart beat, decreased respiratory
effort
and blood pressure, lowered inhibitions, unconsciousness,
amnesia, seizure-like
activity, coma.
- GHB remains in
the blood for 4 hours and the urine for 12 hours.
Ketamine
- Fast-acting general
veterinary anesthetic
- Made in liquid,
tablet or powder form
- Street names
include: Special K, Ket, Vitamine K, Kit Kat, K, Keller, Green, Blind
Squid, Cat Valium
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Reducing your risk
of drug-related rape…
- Always tell a
parent or trusted friend where you are going to be at all times.
- Do not leave
beverages unattended.
- Do not accept any
beverage (alcohol or soda) from a stranger or a person you don’t
trust.
- At a bar or club,
only accept drinks directly from a bartender and request that
drinks
be made or opened in front of you, or request a bottled
beverage.
- At parties or
gatherings, do not accept open-container drinks from anyone.
- When going out
with friends, watch out for each other and be aware of unusual
behavior.
- Anyone behaving
very drunk after just one or two drinks may be in great danger.
- Follow your gut
instinct and get help if something seems wrong.
- If someone offers
to buy you a drink, walk with them to the bar and watch your drink
being made.
- If you choose to
drink, drink responsibly.
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What to do if you
suspect drug-related rape…
If you suspect you
or a friend has been a victim of a drug-related rape…
- Go to a safe
place and call a family member, a trusted friend, police or your
local rape
crisis center. Immediately seek out information and
support. Get help from the police,
a rape crisis center or your
local hospital. For a rape crisis center near you, contact
RAINN (www.rainn.org)
1-800-656-HOPE.
- Try to save a
sample of the drink, and/or glass if you think your drink might
have been
spiked.
- Decide whether
you want to report the rape to the police or not. If you want to
report
the rape, call the police or your local rape crisis center.
Rape drugs don’t stay in the
body for very long. It is very
important to seek help immediately if you decide to report.
- If there is a chance
that you may want to report the rape, in order to preserve important
evidence do not shower, bathe, douche, change clothes or
straighten up the area where
the rape occurred. This will help
preserve important evidence.
- If you choose not
to report the rape to the police, it is still important to seek
medical
attention immediately. Go to a hospital, a clinic, or a
doctor to be checked for injuries,
get tested for pregnancy and
STDs, and to learn about other support.
- If at all
possible, try not to urinate (unless you’re absolutely sure you
are not reporting the rape to the police). A urine sample should be
requested as soon as possible to check for
the presence of any rape
drug(s). Date rape drugs can stay in the system for up to 72
hours.
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