Not only are date rape drugs used by assailants to commit horrible acts, but they can also cause physical harm to those who take them. At Banyan Philadelphia, we know the harm that can result from the use of these substances, including lasting trauma and/or addiction. That’s why we provide individuals suffering from the effects of these drugs with a trauma treatment program. Here, patients can learn more about the roots of their addiction and recover from it in a safe and comfortable environment.
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
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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.
Any extent of drug use can be dangerous and cause severe health problems. People combating drug use can get help at our rehab in Philly.
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.
Aside from impaired concentration, it can also cause:3
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
- Amnesia
- Coma
Individuals who become addicted to this substance as a result of regular use should seek treatment in a partial hospitalization program (PHP).
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
Alcohol is commonly consumed in social settings, making it one of the most common date rape drugs. Because it lowers inhibitions and mobility, assailants will either encourage their victims to drink an excessive amount of alcohol or mix other date rape drugs in their drink. It is also why Banyan offers alcohol-specific treatment as part of our curriculum of Philadelphia substance abuse programs.
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. In these cases, they are encouraged to pursue treatment at our Philly drug rehab.
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If you or a loved one has had a negative experience with drugs or alcohol or suffers from addiction, call our rehab in Philadelphia at 888-280-4763.
Sources:
- Britannica- Date rape
- NIH- Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid: patterns of use, effects, and withdrawal
- DEA- Rohypnol
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