Is Rohypnol or alcohol the real date rape drug?
An interesting piece of research has been carried out by the Forensic Science Service in the U.K. The service analysis of 1014 cases found that women are mistakenly blaming 'spiked' drinks for sexual assaults. In fact the blame was found to be firmly placed on women drinking too much alcohol and taking recreational drugs. Their findings reflect a US study in 1997 that showed alcohol as the substance most frequently associated with substance-assisted sexual assault.
The research by the UK based Forensic Science Services found that in only 2% of cases they examined was there a direct link between Rohypnol, or similar 'date rape drugs, and sexual assault.
Rohypnol (flunitrazepam)
Rohypnol is one of a class of drugs called benzodiazepines that are used for short term treatment of sleep disorders. Other
drugs in this group include Valium and librium. Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is approximately 10 times more potent than
Valium.
Rohypnol begins to work in about 30 minutes. Rohypnol's effects peak within 2 hours but may persist for up to 8 hours or more, depending upon the dosage of the drug taken. The effect of the drug is to sedate, Rohypnol diminishing inhibitions and produces euphoria.
Rohypnol is not legally available in the US, but is in Europe and Mexico. Rohypnol is usually smuggled and transported within the United States through mailing or delivery services.
Street names for Rohypnol
Street names for Rohypnol include rophies, ropies, ruffies, roofies, roche, R-2, mexican valium, rib, and rope.
Illegal use of Rohypnol
Users of Rohypnol mix it with beer to increase the feeling of drunkenness. It is used in combination with marijuana and
cocaine, as well as heroin. It is reported as being used to ease the come-down from cocaine or crack.
Counteracting Rohypnol effects
Romazicon, a benzodiazepine antagonist, can be used for reversing the severe effects of overdose. It must be administered by
a doctor.
Prevent your drink being spiked
Drug assisted sexual assault can be prevented by making sure your drink is not spiked.
