Date Rape Drug Awareness


     •   Rohypnol  
     •   G.H.B 
     •   Ketamine

Rohypnol:

WHAT IT IS:

     •   Manufactured by the Hoffman-La Roche Pharmaceutical 
         Company. 
     •   Member of benzodiazepine family which includes Xanax, 
         Librium, and Valium. 
     •   "Roofies" are ten time stronger than Valium. 
     •   "Roofies" has never been approved for medial use in the United 
         States. 
     •   "Roofies" are often smuggled into to Texas from Mexican 
         pharmacies or from Florida. 
     •   "Roofies" look like aspirin- a small, white circular tablet that 
         dissolves rapidly. It is odorless, tasteless, and has no visible 
         effect on a drink's appearance. Currently, Hoffman-LaRoche is 
         in the process of seeking approval for a tablet which dissolves 
         more slowly in liquid and releases a bright blue color as it 
         dissolves, so it can be easily detected if covertly slipped into 
         someone's beverage.

EFFECTS:

Rohypnol can cause impaired judgment, disinhibition, dizziness, confusion, disproportionate inebriation in relation to the amount of alcohol consumed, slurred speech, trouble with motor coordination, can produce complete or partial amnesia, respiratory depression, and low blood pressure.

Persons who have ingested Rohypnol or GHB may have sudden and unexplained drowsiness and difficulty with motor coordination.

Once ingested these drugs will begin to take effect in 15 minutes to a hour, while lasting once to three hours.

GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyrate)

WHAT IT IS:

     •   Was once sold in health food stores as a performance 
         enhancing additive to body building formulas. 
     •   Was thought to stimulate muscle growth, however this has 
         never been proven. 
     •   GHB is a central nervous system depressant that is abused for 
         its intoxicating effects. 
     •   The use of GHB was banned by the FDA in 1990; except when 
         under the supervision of a physician. 
     •   The use of GHB can cause severe, often uncontrollable side 
         effects. 
     •   GHB can be consumed orally in capsule form or as a grainy, 
         white to sandy-colored powder. 
     •   Powdered GHB is dissolved in liquids like water or alcoholic 
         beverages and then consumed. 
     •   GHB is sold as a slightly, salty, clear liquid in small bottles 
         where users pay by the capful or teaspoon. 
     •   GHB is often substituted for Ecstasy. 
     •   GHB is often used as a sedative to come down off stimulants 
         like Ecstasy, ephedrine, speed or cocaine.
     •   Slang terms: Liquid G, Nature's Quaalude, Cherry Meth,

EFFECTS:

GHB can cause nausea, vomiting, delusions, impaired judgment, depression, vertigo, visual disturbances, seizure, respiratory distress, reduces inhibition, increases sensitivity to touch, can immobilize victim, loss of consciousness, amnesia, coma and death. These effects take place within 15 minutes and can last up to three hours.

When combined with alcohol or other drugs, the potential for deadly overdoses escalates rapidly.

Periods of impaired memory may occur. This may result in rape victim not remembering the details of what happened while they were under the influence of these drugs

KETAMINE

WHAT IT IS:

     •   Ketamine is a rapid acting general anesthetic used on both 
         animals and humans. 
     •   Ketamine is often used as a recreational drug at parties or 
         "raves" 
     •   Ketamine is manufactured in liquid form, but can be made into 
         a tablet or powder. 
     •   Ketamine can be injected intramuscularly or intravenously in 
         liquid form, as well as smoked or snorted in powder form. 
     •   Street names: Special K, Kit Kat,

EFFECTS:

Ketamine can produce hallucinations, impaired judgment and perception, paranoia and dissociate state in which the user feels as if the mind is "separated" from their body.

Can produce a comatose state for the user and in certain situations death.

Blocks feelings of pain.

Can cause respiratory depression, but not of central nervous system.

Effects can be similar to PCP including numbness, loss of coordination, sense of invulnerability, muscle rigidity, aggressive/violent behavior, slurred or blocked speech, exaggerated sense of strength, and blank stares. Large doses can produce vomiting, convulsions and may lead to oxygen starvation to the brain and muscles.

Effects generally last an hour, but can last up to 4-6 hours. Generally, it takes 24-48hours before the user feels "normal" again.