Date Rape Drug Erases the Memory Not the Consequences
by Cayolyn Rychcik
family health council peer education supervisor
Rohypnol ("row-hip-nole"), also known as La Roche, R2, Roofies, Rope, Circles, and Mexican Valium is the most common "date rape" drug. in the past, Rohypnol has been used as a sleep aid, but it is 10 times stronger than valium and much more dangerous. Rohypnol is also considered one of the club drugs used as an alcohol extender to produce a more dramatic high. This effect, combined with its ability to decrease resistance, cause blackouts and erase memory, has led to its use in sexual assaults.
A common scenario in the use of Rohypnol as a date rape drug is when an offender slips Rohypnol into the glass of his unsuspecting victim and waits for it to take effect. When the victim becomes disorientated, the perpetrator offers to walk her home. then the sexual assault occurs. When the victim wakes up, she usually wont remember what happened the night before. Of course, males can also be victims of drugging with Rohypnol.
Rohypnol is tasteless and odorless. when it is dissolved in a drink, it is undetectable. Even a smalldose will begin to take effect within 30 minutes an may last as long as eight hours, depending on the amount taken. Early signs of the drug include drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, problems breathing, and dizziness. These effects are worse when it is taken with alcohol.
Rohypnol is not manufactured or sold legally in the united states. Hoffman-LaRoche, the original manufacturer of Rohypnol, has changed the formula of the drug to make it easier to identify. New pills take 45 minutes to dissolve, make drinks turn blue when they are added, and leave a chalky white film on top of the liquid. However, old pills are still available and other companies making similar pills are not taking these precautions. |
