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What are date rape drugs?
Date rape
drugs are
described as," drug
assisted sexual assault or
club drugs."
These are drugs that are used in the commission
of a sexual assault.
Because of the
effects of these drugs, victims may be physically
helpless, unable to refuse sex,
and can't remember what happened .
The drugs often have no color, smell, or taste
and are easily added to alcoholic and
non-alcoholic drinks without
the victim's knowledge.
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/rohypnol.htm
The victim may not realize anything
happened until many hours after the drug was
ingested and as the effects slowly wear off they
may begin to piece together bits of
memories from the previous night and realize what
may have happened.
If alcohol was consumed, they may initially feel
hung over but also realize something
was/is wrong yet they have little memory of the
previous night and had very little to drink
to have felt so drunk.
The assaulter is often known to the
victim and may act as the ‘rescuer’ for a victim who
seems very drunk and offer a ride or to take
them
home.
The assaulter often videotapes the rape in order
to prove that the victim was sexually
aroused, willing and did not resist the act
(known effects of the drugs). The video can
also be used as blackmail should the victim seek
to report the rape.
All ‘Date Rape Drugs’ are dangerous in
small or large doses and can cause death
when high doses or improperly mixed drugs are
ingested, or if it is ingested with other
drugs (including alcohol).
If date rape drugs are suspected it is important
that law enforcement and medical attention is sought by the victim A.S.A.P.
Typical effects /
symptoms of date rape drug ingestion
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Drunk Appearance
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Light-Headedness
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Vertigo
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Visual Disturbances
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Amnesia that lasts up
to 24 hours |
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Drowsiness
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Confusion
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Muscle Relaxation
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Impairment of
Psychomotor Function |
Staggering
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The combination of a
date rape drugs and alcohol always intensifies the experienced effects/symptoms
related to the event
Please note: There
can be occasions when alternate prescription or
non-prescription drugs may be implemented
Date rape drugs can be ingested with food or
drink or possibly inhaled or injected. The date rape panel evaluates
for about 80% of the possible drugs that may be used in the
commission of a sexual assault. Occasionally the sexual assault
perpetrator may use prescription, non-prescription, legal, or
illegal drugs other than those evaluated in the date rape drug test
panel. We recommend that the sample donor consider a second hair
strand test if necessary for the presence of alternate prescription
or non-prescription drugs which may have been used. Please call our
toll free number at 1-866-889-3410 to learn more.
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Descriptions of
so called,
"Recreational Date Rape Drugs"
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Ketamine |
Rohypnol |
GHB |
*Ecstasy (MDMA) |
*Testing
for Ecstasy
(MDMA) can be added to the above test panel
GHB,
Gamma-hydroxy butyrate
Commonly known as GHB,
is used as date-rape drug, although less popular
than Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) Such club drugs are on
the upswing, especially among college students and
people in their twenties. GHB is used as a
general anesthetic and in treatment of anxiety,
stress, insomnia, narcolepsy, alcoholism, and
alcohol withdrawal. It is also used as an aid
to childbirth. It is not approved in the US
and has been banned from over-the-counter sale by
the FDA.
Club
scene or "rave" drugs
Since
the 1970s club scene, club-goers have used a range
of drugs to enhance their experience on the dance
floor such as amyl nitrite "poppers" and cocaine.
Beginning in
the 1990s, newer "club drugs" became popular, such
as GHB, Rohypnol, Ketamine and Ecstasy (MDMA). Like these other
"club drugs," GHB is taken because users feel that
it enhances the experience of being in a club or at
a party; GHB is sometimes referred to as liquid
ecstasy due to its tendency to produce euphoria and
sociability and its use in the dance party scene
as
a date rape drug
The drug has been referred to
in the media as a date rape drug, in much the same
way as alcohol and Rohypnol. As it is colorless and
odorless, it has been described as "very easy to add
to drinks". GHB has been used in many cases of
drug-related sexual assault, usually when the victim
is vulnerable due to intoxication with a sedative,
generally alcohol or more rarely cannabis, and as
such are less likely to notice a strange taste to
his or her drink. However it is difficult to
establish how often GHB is used to facilitate rape
as it is difficult to detect in a urine sample after
a day, and many victims may not recall the rape
until some time after this. GHB produced as a sodium
salt (sodium oxybate) may provide a noticeable salty
character to the drink, although individual
sensitivity to the taste of salt varies.
GHB can also
be produced as different salts, some of which may
not have a taste as distinctive as the sodium salt
(e.g., magnesium oxybate), or much less commonly in
the unstable free-acid form.
GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate) is a Central Nervous System depressant
which was studied for use with narcolepsy patients to help them
sleep. It is considered a controlled substance in some states and
thus illegal. It causes euphoria, hallucinations, and deep sleep. It
has many street names including "G", Liquid E, Liquid X, Scoop,
Grievous Bodily Harm, Easy Lay, etc. GBL (Gamma Butyrolactone) is an
ingredient of GHB which metabolizes into GHB in the body. It is
legal in many states and is also known as "G", mellow yellow, Blue
Nitro, Revivarant, Renutrient, Remforce, or NRG3. GBL has been used
legally by bodybuilders as a growth hormone stimulant. GHB is
produced legally in Europe by legitimate laboratories. However, in
the U.S., most "G" sold on the streets is produced illegally in
dealers' kitchens with inaccurate dosing levels and unstable
quality.
"G" is taken recreationally to bring on a euphoric state, help the
person lose inhibitions, and increase sexual pleasure. It is
available as a clear, salty tasting liquid or white powder which can
easily be dissolved or hidden in strong-tasting beverages. When used
without the person's knowledge, in higher doses than appropriate for
their body, and/or mixed with alcohol, it creates memory loss,
respiratory depression, muscular fatigue, passing out, coma, and can
even cause death. Thus, it is extremely easy to have sex with
someone without their consent if they have been given GHB or GBL. In
the case of a GHB overdose, there is no known antidote. GHB leaves
the bloodstream after 4-7 hours but can still be detected in urine
within 24 hours. The difficulty with urine testing is that the
victim may not discover for some time beyond that 24 hours what has
happened (if at all) and therefore she does not know to collect a
urine sample. The sooner the urine is collected after being given or
taking GHB, (within the first 3 urinations) the more likely to have
a positive result of testing.
Ketamine
Ketamine, known on the street as "K", Special K, Kat, is an illegal
controlled substance in some states. It is known as the rich kids'
drug because it is expensive. Ketamine is classified as a dissociate
anesthetic and is closely related to PCP. Currently it is used
legally by veterinarians as an animal anesthetic. It became the drug
of choice at RAVE parties in the mid-1990s. In liquid form, Ketamine
is clear, odorless, tasteless. In powder form it is white and looks
similar to cocaine. Ketamine produces a short high (20-30 minutes)
and is thus referred to as the "businessman's LSD". In moderate
doses, Ketamine produces euphoria, a quick burst of energy, drunken
feeling, loss of inhibition, confusion, ringing in the ears. In
higher doses, it creates tunnel vision, shortness of breath, loss of
balance, floating sensation, out-of-body experience, depression, no
sense of time, seizures, coma, vomiting (when mixed with alcohol) or
death. At Raves, there is often a location known as the "K-Hole"
where people taking Ketamine go once that shortness of breath and
out-of-body experience phase of the high begins because they are no
longer able to control their body and must sit or lay around until
it wears off. Ketamine is not as popular as a date rape drug as "G",
but because of these effects on the body, it has been used in that
capacity.
Rohypnol or "Roofies"
Rohypnol - the brand name for the drug
Flunitrazepam is said to be ten times stronger
than valium. The high it produces usually lasts from
2 to 8 hours and its victims have no memory of the
events that happen during that time. A variety
of age groups are experimenting with Roofies.
Studies show a growing number of 7th to
12th graders have tried the drug.
Both of these drugs are odorless, and colorless, and
can be slipped to an unsuspecting victim in a drink.
Hoffmann-LaRoche & Co., a pharmaceutical
manufacturer, is outraged by that fact that
their drug, Rohypnol, is being abused in such
a way, and is coming out with a form of the drug
that when mixed with alcohol, turns the drink blue,
and makes it clumpy.
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Rohypnol, also known as roofies, ropes, the forget pill, roach,
rophies, La Roche, and R-2, is the trade name for Flunitrazepam. It
is manufactured by Hoffman-LaRoche Company and sold around the world
for such problems as insomnia, but it is illegal in the United
States. Clonazepam is a similar drug made by Roche Laboratories
which is marketed legally as Klonopin in the U.S. and is also sold
illegally as "roofies". Like GHB, Rohypnol is a sedative which, when
mixed with alcohol, can incapacitate a victim. When combined with
alcohol, Rohypnol causes severe disorientation and the classic
"blackout" and can also cause death. Blackout periods can typically
be 8-12 hours long and the victim may not appear awake during this
time, nor remember what happened during the blackout. It can also
cause seizures. Victims sometimes feel dizzy or nauseous after
ingesting Rohypnol. Rohypnol is no longer the drug of choice for
date rape because dealers have raised their prices due to the risk
factors associated with the drug. Nevertheless, it can be found in
every part of the United States. Hoffman-LaRoche is aware of these
uses of Rohypnol and thus has developed a new formulation of the
drug. The new Rohypnol tablet dissolves more slowly and releases a
bright blue color as it dissolves. When used in darker liquids, the
drink looks murky.
Comment of Interest
Scopolamine has been used under the name Burundanga
in Venezuelan and Thailand resorts in order to drug
and then rob tourists. While there are unfounded
rumors that delivery mechanisms include using
pamphlets and flyers laced with the drug, not enough
is readily absorbed through the skin to have an
effect. However, spiked alcoholic drinks are
occasionally used. In recent years the criminal use
of scopolamine has become an epidemic. Approximately
half of emergency room admissions for poisoning in
Bogotá have been attributed to scopolamine.
Victims of this crime are often admitted to a
hospital in police custody, under the assumption
that the patient is experiencing a psychotic
episode. A telltale sign is a fever accompanied by a
lack of sweat.
In June 2008, more
than 20 people were hospitalized with psychosis in
Norway after ingesting counterfeit Rohypnol
tablets containing Scopolamine. In
Colombia South America a plant admixture containing
scopolamine called Burundanga has been used for
decades to aid in communication with the spirit
world.
Ecstasy or "E" - Can be an alternate date drug
The clinical name for Ecstasy is methylenedioxymethamphetamine, or
MDMA. It is a combination of speed and mescaline that can produce
psychedelic effects. Whereas the other date rape drugs are
depressants, ecstasy is a stimulant. On the streets Ecstasy is known
as the "love drug", "E", or "X". It is the drug of choice at RAVE
parties and clubs because it creates euphoria, hyper excitability,
abundance of energy, lowers inhibitions. Users report a euphoric
feeling of ecstasy and love in which physical/sexual contact
intensifies the high. In high doses, ecstasy causes teeth grinding,
scratching or rubbing skin, dizziness, eye twitching, panic attacks,
elevated body temperature, muscle cramping, loss of consciousness,
dehydration, and/or seizures. Though most users take ecstasy by
choice, women have reported that they had sex or engaged in sexual
acts that they never would have had if not under the influence of
Ecstasy. It is not the date rape drug of choice, like GHB, because
it does not cause memory loss, but it does cause loss of
consciousness in high doses. Ecstasy can be detected in urine from
2-5 days after taking it. In extremely high doses, the heightened
body temperature caused by ecstasy can lead to kidney and
cardiovascular failure, and has been fatal in some cases.
Xanax
Alprazolam, like all benzodiazepines, has the
potential for abuse. Although it is not manufactured
illegally and its misuse and abuse is dwarfed by
benzodiazepines like
flunitrazepam
and
temazepam,
it is still often diverted to the black market,
particularly in the United States where alprazolam
is the most widely prescribed benzodiazepine. The
state of relaxation,
anxiolysis,
and disinhibition induced by benzodiazepines is the
main reason for their illicit use.
Testing for Date Rape Drugs
If you think you
have been drugged and then sexually assaulted it is important for you to collect your urine sample as soon as
possible. A urine sample collection volume of 1-2 teaspoons is
adequate for testing purposes The critical sample collection time is within the first 24-48 hours
following the date of the likely event. Refrigerate the sample
and then call us at 1-866-889-3410. A sample of your hair can also be tested for date rape drugs.
Date rape drugs are stored in the cortex of
the hair strands.
Please allow thirty (30) days minimum time to pass following
the alleged date of ingestion of a date rape drug before collecting
a hair sample.
We strongly recommend that a
Chain
of Custody Form
be submitted with all test samples.
Questions, Concerns, Call us now!
Toll free
866-889-3410.
Additional
commentary on date rape drugs . . .
Medical Use.
Legal?
Rohypnol is a legal medication
primarily used for short-term
treatment of
insomnia.
Is classified as a
benzodiazepine which is a class of psychoactive drugs considered
minor tranquilizers with varying hypnotic, sedative, anxiolytic,
anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and amnesic properties, which are
mediated by slowing down the central nervous system resulting in
drowsiness and slower heart rate.
Users can become dependent and
addicted to Rohypnol.
Time frame for Detection:
Traces of
Rohypnol leave your body within 72 hours.
Can be detected in the
blood stream for 24 hours and in urine for up
to 48 hours.
Date rape drug
detection
in your hair
Requires
a minimum time period of thirty (30 )
days to pass following the likely
ingestion date before hair strand samples can be collected for
toxicology lab testing purposes.
how to collect hair strand test samples
GHB – Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate
aka: G, Liquid ecstasy, Liquid X,
Scoop, Easy Lay
Cost: $5.00-10.00 per dose
Has been used as a general anesthetic,
and a hypnotic
in the treatment of insomnia.
GHB has also been used to treat clinical
depression and to improve athletic
performance. GHB is a CNS depressant
used as an
intoxicant.
It has many street names, including Georgia Home Boy, G, GB, Juice, Fantasy,
Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Gamma-OH and Jungle Juice.
Characteristics Forms: Liquid or as a
powder or capsule.
Colorless
Odorless
Tasteless or slightly salty
Can be made out of household cleaning
products. ‘How To’
information is readily available
on the internet.
Time Frame:
Effects
Effects can take hold within 15
minutes of ingestion.
Effects can last between 3-4
hours when taken alone.
Effects can last between 20-30 hours
when ingested with
alcohol.
Effects
Loss of control to communicate (say ‘no’)
Loss of inhibitions
Impairs judgment
Euphoria
Sedative effect (prevents
resistance to assault)
Feelings of relaxation
Acting out of character (seems
very drunk to friends)
Intensified sensuality
Nausea and vomiting
Drowsy and dizziness
*effects may not be easily
detectable by friends at the time.
In high doses or with alcohol:
May slip into coma like sleep.
Causes amnesia or ‘loss of
time’
Unable to feel pain (do not respond as
they normally would to
physical/violent
assault)
Any of the above effects severely
intensified.
Medical Use.
Legal?
GHB was formerly used as an
anesthetic and as treatment for sleep
disorders and alcohol withdrawal.
GHB is now ILLEGAL.
Users can become dependent on GHB.
Time frame for
Detection:
GHB can be detected for up to
8 hours in the blood stream from the
time of ingestion and up to 12
hours in urine.
Other ‘Date Rape
Drugs’ can stay in the system up to 72 hours so
getting tested
even after the 12 hours is advised.
Rohypnol
(ruffies)
aka: roofies, rope, R2 ruffles,
Roche, Forget-pill
Cost: Less than $5.00-$20.00 per pill.
Rohypnol
- Flunitrazepam (formerly
marketed under the trade name Rohypnol in North America, is a drug
which is a
benzodiazepine
derivative. It has powerful
sedative,
anxiolytic, and
skeletal muscle relaxant
properties. The drug is sometimes abused as a
date rape drug
Characteristics
Comes in 1-2mg pill form.
Can also be found in a powder or liquid state.
It is colorless
Odorless
Tasteless.
Dissolves in liquid.
Legally
manufactured Rohypnol now contains a color change indicator so that
its presence can be detected when added to a liquid .
Effects
Effects being within 30 minutes of
ingestion and peak within 2 hours.
Effects can last from 8-24 hours.
Intoxicating and sedating
effects ***
From relaxed and calm to drowsy
and clumsy
Reduces inhibitions and
judgment***
Slurred speech
Impairs judgment.
Dizziness (may be severe)
Confusion
Unable to feel pain (do not respond as
they normally would to
physical/violent
assault)
When combined with Alcohol or taking in high
dosages (2mg +)
Can cause ‘Blackouts’
Amnesia or ‘no memory’ of time
periods f/ 8-24 hours.
Loss of consciousness.
Inability to fight or resist.
Any of the above effects severely
intensified when combined with alcohol.
Ketamine
aka: K, special K, vitamin K, Ket
Cost: $20.00 per dose.
Causes a wide range of effects in humans,
including analgesia,
dissociative anesthesia,
hallucination,
arterial hypertension,
and bronchodilation.
It is primarily used for the induction and maintenance of
general anesthesia,
usually in combination with some sedative drug.
Characteristics Forms:
liquid, powder or pill form.
Dissolves in liquid
Time Frame:
Effects
Effects can be felt between 1
and 10 minutes after ingestion.
Effects can last between 1hour to 6
hours, with side effects
lasting up to 24
hours. http://www.health.org
Effects
Numbness of the body
Sedative effect.
Loss of time and sense of self
(who and where they are)
Dizzy feeling
Blurred vision
Out of body experience.
Hypnotic (sleep producing)
amnesia
hallucinations
insensitive to physical pain.
dissociation (where the mind feels
separate from the body)
Large doses:
vomiting
loss of consciousness
any of the above effects severely
intensified.
Medical Use.
Legal?
Primary medical use is as an
anesthetic and painkiller for animals.
It is legally available to
veterinarians and medical doctors.
Time frame for Detection:
Ketamine is detectable
in the system for up to 48 hours following injestion.
http://teenadvice.about.com
Ecstasy
- MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine),
most commonly known by the street names ecstasy, E,
X, or XTC, The drug is often represented as a
date rape drug,
much in the same way as alcohol
and rohypnol. It is sometimes referred to as liquid ecstasy due to its tendancy to
produce euphoria and sociability and its use in the dance/party scene,
however the effects of GHB are quite different from those of
MDMA.
Alcohol is still
considered to be the #1 date rape drug when consumed in excess.
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Though many "social" drinkers claim to know their limit
but very few do
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Alcohol alone impairs perception and judgment
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Adding a date
rape drug to alcohol consumption insures the success of the date
rape perpetrator
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The combination of alcohol
with a date rape drug can heighten the effect of the drug
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The effects of
date rape drug ingestion can
vary depending
on the type of date rape drug used, dosage, frequency and victim's
metabolism
Yes, both
heterosexual and homosexual women and men (7% of reported cases) are victimized by the combination of
alcohol and date rape drugs
It's E-Z to answer your uncertainties about
your possible exposure to a date rape drug from the privacy of your home or office.
Submit a test sample consisting of hair, urine, or blood for quick evaluation.
Expect your test results to be
available in 7-10 business
days. Express service
available.
The Carlson Company LLC is not affiliated with any government or law enforcement agency
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