DATE RAPE DRUGS
The most common "date rape drug" is alcohol. Other "date rape drugs" are sold in many forms and are often used as recreational drugs. They are being used in an increasing number of sexual assaults across the country and around the world. They can be in liquid, powder, or pill form and hidden in small containers like eye drop bottles and breath mint containers.
Just a few drops slipped into a drink can result in memory loss, vision problems, dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness, or death.
Alcohol by itself is the most common "date rape drug" and can also intensify the symptoms of these drugs. Their effects can last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours.
Avoiding Date Rape Drugs
- Don't drink anything that has an unusual taste or appearance.
- Never leave your drink unattended (even while you're dancing or in the bathroom).
- Watch the bartender pour your drink and carry it yourself.
- Don't drink from containers being passed around, or from punch bowls.
- Bring your own drinks to parties and open them yourself. Don't share or exchange drinks with anyone.
- Cigarettes and chewing gum can also be used to drug you!
Signs you may have been drugged
- You feel more intoxicated than your normal response to the amount of alcohol you consumed.
- You wake up feeling extremely hung-over and can't account for a period of time.
- One of the last things you remember is taking a drink, but what happened after that is blank.
- You feel as though you've been sexually assaulted but you can't recall any or all of the incident.
If it happens to you
- Get to a safe place.
- Ask someone you trust to stay with you and assist you in getting help.
- Get a sample of the beverage if you can.
- Call 911 to report the incident to the police, even if you aren't sure what happened.
- Go to a hospital emergency room as soon as possible. Unless you're a minor, the hospital staff won't report the sexual assault to the police without your consent.
- Request that the hospital take a urine sample for drug testing.
Drug facilitated rapes are often unreported. Victims of this type of assault may blame themselves because of where they were, whom they were with, or how much they had to drink. You may feel responsible for the assault because you lost control. You may feel embarrassed that you know you were raped, but do not know who raped you.
If you think you may have been a victim of rape, IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT.Request that the hospital take a urine sample for drug testing.
No one has the right to force you to engage in sexual contact against your will. If they do, it is a crime for which they are solely responsible.
For more detailed information about date rape drugs and a bunch of helpful links, check out this website: http://www.unh.edu/sharpp/stats_facts_folder/date_rape_drugs.htm (UNH Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program)
