SUBSTANCE ABUSE:
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Recreational drug abuse is not a new phenomenon. Nor is the misuse of alcohol and other substances to facilitate date rape. But the increase in reports of drug misuse warrants renewed attention to combating the problem. Basic information below provides some facts on the criminal use of sedating substances both for recreational purposes and to facilitate sexual assault.

What types of substances are being misused to commit sexual assault?
What are the physical effects of sedating substances?
How can I reduce my risk of being drugged and sexually assaulted?
What should I do if I think I've been drugged and sexually assaulted?
Can I prove I've been drugged?
Can alcohol have similar sedating effects?

WHAT TYPES OF SUBSTANCES ARE BEING MISUSED TO COMMIT SEXUAL ASSAULT?

Over the decades, alcohol and substances such as chloral hydrate or "Mickey Finns" have been misused to involuntarily sedate individuals for sexual assault. In the past several years, there have been reports in which other substances have been identified, including gamma hydrosybutrate (GHB) (which is tasteless), flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), scopolamine, burundanga, and ketamine. Recent laboratory tests on the urine of survivors of substance-related sexual assault showed traces of an even greater number of substances, including alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, GHB, marijuana, and opiates. These drugs may come in any form, including powder, pill, tablet or liquid.

Sedating drugs, when criminally misused, often are referred to by a number of street names, of which you should be aware. These include Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Grievous Bodily Harm, and Easy Lay for GHB, and Special K for ketamine. Common street names for Rohypnol include Roofies, Roachies, La Rocha and the forget pill. (Test within 24 hours of assault, if possible, to check for Rohypnol).

Individuals may react differently to sedating substances, depending on the dosage, their metabolism and sensitivity to the substance, and the presence of alcohol and/or other drugs.

There are several telltale signs that an individual may be under the influence of a sedating substance. Possible effects include impaired judgment, disinhibition, dizziness, and confusion. Sedating substances can temporarily inhibit a person's ability to remain awake and conscious. And someone who has been sedated may experience sudden or unexplained drowsiness and have trouble with motor coordination. Brief periods of impaired memory also may result from the misuse of some sedating substances. Depending on the substance and the presence of alcohol and other drugs in the person's system, more dangerous and sometimes life-threatening side effects may occur.

There are a number of precautions to take to reduce the risk of being drugged:

• Do not leave beverages unattended.
• Do not take any beverages, including alcohol, from someone you do not know well and trust.
• At a bar or club, accept drinks only from the bartender or server.
• At parties, do not accept open-container drinks from anyone.
• Be alert to the behavior of friends and ask them to watch out for you.
• Anyone extremely intoxicated after consuming only a small amount of alcohol may be in danger.

If you or a friend feel dizzy, confused, or have other sudden, unexplained symptoms after drinking a beverage, call a family member, friend, the police, a doctor or 911 for help in getting to a hospital.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Get to a safe place and call SART (472-1060) or another rape crisis center for information or support. For a toll-free rape crisis hotline, call (800) 656-HOPE.
• Determine whether or not you want to report the incident to the police. If there is any chance you do want to report the assault, you should not shower, bathe, douche, change clothes or straighten up the area until medical and legal evidence is collected because these actions will destroy evidence.
• If you want to report the incident, first call the police and then go to the hospital and have the medical evidence collected.
• Go to a hospital, clinic, or private doctor for treatment of external and/or internal injuries, test for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and support services.
• Request a urine test as quickly as possible to detect the presence of sedating substances. Every hour matters. Chances of getting proof are best when the sample is obtained soon after the substance has been ingested, but depending on the substance used, the test can be reliable even on a sample obtained 72 hours later.

  This test will identify multiple substances, including alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, GHB, marijuana and opiates.

If you think you have been drugged, ask the hospital emergency room or the police to take a urine sample AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Most substances can be detected through appropriate drug testing, but they are quickly excreted from the human body.

A police investigation will also look at the victim's behavior as observed by others and how much alcohol if any the victim consumed to look for discrepancies.

For centuries alcohol has been used to facilitate sexual assault. Today it remains the substance most frequently associated with date rape and the most easily accessible sedating substance.

When large enough quantities are consumed, alcohol can have tremendous sedating effects, leaving anyone vulnerable to assault. The physical effects include impaired judgment and motor coordination, disinhibition, dizziness, confusion and extreme drowsiness.

Here are some tips that may help reduce your risk of sexual assault in social situations where alcohol is served:

• Limit alcohol consumption so you are better able to assess your surroundings, especially if you are in a group setting or with someone you do not know well or trust.
• Be cautious about consuming different types of alcoholic beverages at one time. Mixing various types may accelerate the sedating effects.
• Eat substantive food before consuming alcohol, as a full stomach may help to curb its sedating effects.
• When drinking alcohol in social settings, make arrangements with a friend so that you leave together.
• Most importantly, remember that whether you follow these tips or not, if someone sexually assaults you, it is not your fault. You are NEVER to blame for someone else's actions.

There are a number of resources you can go to for help if you suspect that you have been drugged and sexually assaulted or if you feel anyone you know may be abusing drugs.

The above information comes from the following sources: "Substance Abuse and Sexual Assault: What Should I Know to Protect Myself?" brochure provided by Hoffmann-LaRoche in collaboration with the DC Rape Crisis Center. The information on this page should not take the place of expertise from medical personnel or legal representatives.

This site is not meant to replace the advice of health care, counseling or legal professionals. You should not rely on any information on these pages, or information generated for you by this site, to replace consultations with qualified professionals regarding your own specific situation.

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