Index
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Rohypnol - the so-called date rape drug
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What
is the date rape drug?
The "date rape drug" is the common name for
Rohypnol, generically called flunitrazepam. Rohypnol is manufactured by
Hoffman-La Roche and prescribed as a sleeping pill in some countries. It is
used as a short-term treatment for insomnia, as a sedative hypnotic and a
pre-anesthetic. It has physiological effects similar to Valium (diazepam), but
is approximately ten times more potent. It is used also as an illicit drug,
often in combination with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and alcohol.
Common names for Rohypnol include the following: rophies, roofies, R2,
roofenol, Roche, roachies, la rocha, rope, rib, circles, Mexican valium,
roach-2, roopies, and ropies. A similar drug is known as clonazepam (Klonopin
in the USA)
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What does
Rohypnol look like?
Rohypnol tablets are white, scored on one side, with the
word "ROCHE" and an encircled one or two (depending on the dosage) on
the other. They are sold in pre-sealed bubble packs of one or two mg doses.
Rohypnol can often be dissolved in a drink, and is undetectable.
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Is Rohypnol
legal?
It is produced and sold legally by prescription in Europe
and Latin America
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Who uses
Rohypnol and how?
Rohypnol use has been reported on every inhabited continent.
It is often used in conjunction with other drugs. It is usually ingested
orally, but can be snorted. Teenager use of Rohypnol is increasing. The most
common pattern of use is by teenagers and young adults as an alcohol extender
in an attempt to create a dramatic "high" most often in combination
with beer, or as a drug to incapacitate a victim before a sexual assault. It is
slipped into an aloholic drink where it is odourless and tasteless. It has also
been known to be added to punch at parties and social gatherings.
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What
happens when you take Rohypnol?
Rohypnol intoxication is generally associated with impaired
judgement and impaired motor skills and can make a victim unable to resist a
sexual attack. The combination of alcohol and Rohypnol is also particularly
hazardous because together, their effects on memory and judgement are greater
than the effects resulting from either taken alone. Effects begin within thirty
minutes, peak within two hours, and can persist for up to eight hours. It is
commonly reported that persons who become intoxicated on a combination of
alcohol and flunitrazepam have "blackouts" lasting eight to
twenty-four hours following ingestion. The loss of social inhibitions is
another widely reported effect of Rohypnol, when taken alone or in combination
with alcohol. Adverse effects of Rohypnol use include, decreased blood
pressure, memory impairment, drowsiness, visual disturbances, dizziness,
confusion, gastrointestinal disturbances and urinary retention.
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Why is
Rohypnol called the "date rape drug"?
Rohypnol has been associated with date rape, and has also
been called the "Forget Pill," "Trip-and-Fall," and
"Mind-Erasers." In combination with alcohol, it can induce a blackout
with memory loss and a decrease in resistance. Girls, boys, women and men
around the country have reported being raped after being involuntarily sedated
with Rohypnol, which was often slipped into their drink by an attacker. The
drug has no taste or odour so the victims don't realise what is happening.
About ten minutes after ingesting the drug, the victim may feel dizzy and
disoriented, simultaneously too hot and too cold, or nauseated. They may
experience difficulty speaking and moving, and then pass out. Such victims have
no memories of what happened while under the drug's influence.
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How can I
avoid becoming a victim of rape under the influence of Rohypnol?
Here are a few suggestions for staying aware and alert:
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- If you are accepting a drink, make sure it's from an
unopened container and that you open it yourself. If that's not possible, watch
the bar staff making your drink. ·
- Don't leave your drink unattended, even to go to the
toilet. If possible ask a trusted friend to look after it. ·
- Notify other people you know about the effects of this
dangerous drug. ·
- If you think that you have been a victim, notify the
authorities immediately. ·
Use the "buddy system"
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- Tell your friends where you are at a party ·
- Never leave without accounting for those who came with
you.
- Someone stays sober and watches friends drinks if they
are not alert and makes sure they all get home safely ·
- If you hear someone in your group kidding about
"date drugs", pay attention. Often someone planning to use a drug
jokes about it to get a reaction from others. This should be a warning: leave
the company of that person.
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If you
become aware that you have been raped or sexually assaulted
- Go to a place where you feel safe.
- If you decide to report it to the police, do so as soon
as possible, don't wash or change - it may destroy evidence.
- Don't' take alcohol or drugs.
- If possible, tell someone what has happened. They can
give you support and act as a witness for you.
- Contact a trusted friend who can be with you at the
police station and with the medical examination.
- Take a change of clothes with you. The police may need
clothes for forensic evidence.
- If you can write down what happened as soon as possible,
it may help with your statement.
- If you choose not to go to the police, go to your doctor
or to Accident and Emergency at your local hospital if you are injured.
- You may wish to consider going to a special clinic for
an STD test (the police examination will not include this).
- Call MPower. We will support you.
- If you cannot wait until the MPower line is open, the
Samaritans will help you.
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No-one deserves to
be raped.
No survivor deserves the blame.
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0808 808 4321
Every thursday evening 8pm to 10pm
or email
support@male-rape.org.uk
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