What Is Date Rape?

The term date rape was introduced in the 1980s to eliminate the belief that the majority of rapes and sexual assaults occur randomly by strangers.¹ Before then, there was no term for a sexual experience that was nonconsensual but nonviolent. Unfortunately, the use of date rape drugs to make sexual assault easier for assailants to commit has increased. Because date rape drugs are commonly used while partying and clubbing, they are easily distributed to victims without them knowing. Nearly 11 million women in the U.S. alone have been raped or sexually assaulted while under the influence of a date rape drug.²

What Are Date Rape Drugs?

A date rape drug is any drug that is used to make rape or physical assault easier. They are given to victims in order to make them less physically able to defend themselves. These drugs or substances will cause a person to feel confused, sleepy, and unable to remember what happened. Date rape drugs can be taken as pills or dissolved into drinks. People not only use them to commit rape or sexual assault but for recreational purposes, as well. Users enjoy the sedative effect they give and will take them while clubbing or partying.

Common Types of Date Rape Drugs

Many different drugs have a sedative effect on people, but the most common date rape drugs include GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid), Rohypnol (also known as roofies), ketamine, and alcohol.

GHB

GHB is a depressant that is sometimes prescribed by doctors to treat narcolepsy. However, this drug is commonly used among young adults at parties, bars, clubs, and raves. It’s usually mixed with alcohol to produce a sedative effect.

• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea
• Hallucinations
• Amnesia
• Coma

Rohypnol

Rohypnol, or roofies, is a strong benzodiazepine that is also known as a tranquilizer. This date rape drug is one of the most commonly used because of its sedative effect. It normally comes in the form of a green tablet and can be swallowed, crushed, or snorted.⁴ Aside from causing sedation, this drug can be extremely harmful.

Some of its effects include:

• Lowered blood pressure
• Loss of muscle control
• Loss of consciousness
• Amnesia

The short-term effects of Rohypnol can be scary, but the continuous use of this drug can lead to health problems in the future.

Ketamine

Ketamine, otherwise known as a club drug, is a quick-acting drug with sedative and hallucinogenic effects. It’s usually injected, mixed into liquids, or snorted.

Addiction to ketamine cause harmful side effects, including:

• Hallucinations
• Distorted sight
• Distorted hearing
• Immobility
• Amnesia
• Unconsciousness

Alcohol affects the body in several ways, including:

• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Inability to talk
• Lack of concentration
• Immobility
• Lack of muscle control
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Change in heart rate
• Confusion
• Trouble breathing
• Fainting

The varying effects of date rape drugs are a major cause for concern for those at risk of falling victim to them. The trauma of these events may even lead a person to develop a substance use disorder in order to cope.

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