Jaime HayThere is a direct correlation between sexual assault and schedule IV narcotics. Date rape drugs are used by criminals to commit sexual assault. These drugs are so powerful that victims are often unaware of the assault.
Trauma is linked to substance abuse. When patterns like this coexist, they’re often cyclical; trauma may lead to substance abuse and vice versa. Likewise, underlying diagnoses may fuel the connection between sexual assault and date rape drugs.
Get medical care immediately if you suspect you’ve been roofied. Then, talk to a certified trauma counselor. For more information on the connection between sexual assault and roofies and how to protect yourself from drug-induced sexual assault, continue reading.
Roofies And Sexual Assault
“Roofie” is slang for Rohypnol, a date rape drug used to commit sexual assault. In the United States, the drug is illegal. Rohypnol is the brand name of benzo Flunitrazepam, a benzodiazepine used to treat severe insomnia in some countries. Criminals spike drinks with roofies to cause victims to lose psychological and physical control.
Along with Ketamine and GHB, Rohypnol is a date rape drug. Given the increased number of sexual assault cases, people are more aware of their drinks. Rohypnol is tasteless, has no smell, and is virtually colorless, making it practically undetectable to the person consuming it; these are all reasons to maintain complete control over your drink.
Consequences Of Rohypnol
There are dangerous consequences of consuming Rohypnol with alcohol and other drugs, including memory loss, drug addiction, paralysis, coma, and death. Long-term effects of roofies can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder and personality disorders. The following section discusses sexual assault, roofies, and how to protect yourself.
How To Protect Yourself From Drug-Induced Sexual Assault
As aforementioned, roofies are odorless and tasteless. Some of the newer roofies give off a blueish hue in drinks. Do not rely on the color of your drink alone to determine if your drink has been spiked with schedule IV narcotics.
To protect yourself against drug-induced sexual assault:
- Do not leave your drink unattended.
- Pour your drink when possible.
- Only go out with a trusted group of friends.
- Never accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
- If you notice symptoms, have your friends take you home.
Know The Signs And Symptoms
Feeling very drunk is one of the signs that you may have been roofied. Respond to these signs immediately to get home safely. If you feel very intoxicated, euphoric, or disoriented, exit the situation safely.
Additional signs of having been roofied include:
- feeling confused and unable to finish your train of thought
- not knowing where you are or that you’re out of touch with reality
- having symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, and body pain that come out of nowhere
Get The Help You Need
If you are a sexual assault survivor, contact public organizations like RAINN for support. Dual-diagnosis treatment centers and other rehabilitation facilities may also assist you in beginning any detox and therapeutic interventions you may need to move forward.
Hugh Hay
