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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