Sexual Assault - The Date Rape Drug

DATE RAPE DRUG 

Rohypnol Alert

Rohypnol is the brand name for flunitrazepam, a very potent tranquilizer similar in nature to Valium, but many times stronger. Rohypnol is known as the "Date Rape Drug or Pill" because it has been used in alcoholic drinks as a way to incapacitate potential victims of rape and sexual assault. It costs about $2-4 per tablet. It is now one of the "in" drugs on high school and college campuses and particularly college fraternities. It is colorless, odorless and quickly dissolves in any beverage. In about 10-30 minutes, it creates a drunk-like effect that lasts 8 hours. It enhances the effects of alcohol, causing loss of inhibition, extreme sleepiness, relaxation and worst of all amnesia.

Rohypnol has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and it is illegal in the United States. In about 80 other countries it is prescribed legally for insomnia. The DEA plans to reclassify Rohypnol, ranking it in the same category as heroin and LSD. This will provide a minimum 10 year prison term for smugglers. Sales and possession charges will also be equal to those in cases of heroin and cocaine. It is manufactured by Swiss-based HoffmanLaRoche company.

STREET NAMES: Roofies, rope, ropies, the forget pill, roach, roachies, rib, rophies, La Roche, Roche, R-2, ruffles.

Effects of Rohypnol Intoxication (Combination of Rohypnol 8z alcohol or Rohypnol 8r other drugs)

• 8-24 hour blackouts 
   
• Memory loss
    
• Loss of muscle control
   
• Inability to move 
   
• Prolonged sleeping
   
• Can appear extremely intoxicated
   
• You can be up walking around, but not storing long term memory 
   
• Loss of inhibitions
   
• Confusion
   
• Dizziness 
   
• Inability to think clearly 

WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ROHYPNOL

• Do not leave drinks unattended
   
• Be careful who you accept a drink from
   
• At bars, only accept a drink from the bartender or wait staff
   
• Be careful who you are drinking with, i.e. someone you just met
   
• At parties, do not accept open container drinks from anyone other than trusted friends
   
• Be vigilant about where you put your glass
   
• Be careful what you drink, i.e. from punch bowl at a party
   
• Be alert to the behavior of friends. Be concerned if they appear much more drunk than they should be.
   
• Anyone who believes they have consumed Rohypnol should be driven to a hospital emergency room or should call 911 for an ambulance. Keep a sample of the drink if possible.

If you suspect you might have been sexually assaulted while under the influence of Rohypnol:

Go to the Emergency Room or call the police. You can be tested for Rohypnol. The test should be done as soon as possible because the drug is only detectable within 48 to 60 hours of ingestion.

For more information and/or support: Call the Rape Crisis CONTACT line. Our representatives are available 24 hours a day to assist you, and our services are free and confidential. 

1-302- 761 -9100
New Castle County

1 -800-262-9800
Kent at Sussex Counties