A roofied drink occurs when a drug has been slipped into a person’s drink without them knowing it. If possible, get medical attention right away to test for drugs in your system. Rohypnol, or Flunitrazepam, is a central nervous system depressant that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.
Common Date Rape Drugs
Sometimes, a bitter or salty taste to your drink can be a sign that someone has added something to your drink without your consent. Other people abuse Rohypnol as a way to get “high” or combine it with alcohol to become highly intoxicated, which can be very dangerous. In high doses, a person can become unconscious and may not remember what happened to them. Today, there are blue-colored tablets formulated to be visible in a drink, as well as the colorless Rohypnol tablets. They may also crush and dissolve the pills or tablets in a strong-flavored alcoholic drink. A roofie is a central nervous system depressant that, much like the prescription medicine Valium (diazepam), slows down the brain and relaxes the body.
How You Feel the Day After Being Spiked?
If you suspect that you have been roofied, immediate and longer-term steps can help you recover physically and emotionally. Victims often experience difficulty walking, an inability to stand and a sense of heavy limbs. This loss of coordination is far more severe than typical alcohol-induced inebriation. Yes, roofies can cause amnesia, making it challenging to remember signs of being roofied events during their influence. Always exercise caution in social settings, never leave your drink unattended, and trust your instincts if something feels off or unsafe. Most of all, don’t underestimate the stress and trauma of your experience.
The Importance of Recognizing the Symptoms
Additionally, feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame can make it harder to seek help or discuss the assault with loved ones. Knowing the signs of being “roofied” (being drugged with Rohypnol) can help you stay safe on a night out and reduce the risks of you or a friend being date raped. Below we look at the meaning of being roofied, how long before roofies take effect, the symptoms of being roofied, how to stay safe, and what to do if you think you or a friend have been spiked. This can be done through therapy, support groups, and other mental health treatments.
- Don’t drive, and don’t leave the area you’re at unless you’re in danger.
- If you have been roofied, you should have someone trustworthy with you throughout the night to make sure you are okay.
- Effects take hold within 15 to 30 minutes and can last up to six hours.
- By taking these precautions and staying vigilant, you can reduce the risk of being roofied and help ensure your safety in social settings.
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In addition to Rohypnol, other common date rape drugs include Ketamine (Special K) and Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Unfortunately, drugs like Rohypnol are often used to facilitate sexual assault, including committing sexual acts with someone who has not given their consent or is incoherent or unconscious. “Date rape” is a term that refers to a person forcing someone who they’re socially, romantically, or casually involved with to have sex without consent. This type of sexual assault is often facilitated through the use of date rape drugs or roofies.
Cambridge hospitals include Cambridge Health Alliance in Inman Square and Mount Auburn Hospital in West Cambridge. For additional peace of mind, you can always purchase reusable cup covers (like these Nightcap scrunchies) to take with you on nights out. Made of stretchy material, most cup covers come with premade straw holes and make it harder for someone to slip something into your drink. Stick with your group and don’t go anywhere alone with someone you don’t know. Definitely don’t attempt to “ride it out” without medical assistance, and don’t keep information to yourself, Michonski said.
Most often, people refer to being roofied when it occurs in the form of drink spiking. These symptoms can vary depending on the specific drug used, the dosage, and the individual’s reaction to the drug. However, if someone exhibits a combination of these symptoms, it’s important to consider the possibility that they’ve been roofied. By taking swift and decisive action, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of someone who may have been roofied.