 |
 |
| |
|
                |
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. Here are some basic facts on the criminal use of sedating substances both for recreational purposes and to facilitate sexual assault. Who abuses these substances, how, and why? Sedating substances are used to enhance the effects of alcohol and/or other drugs and to diminish inhibitions. Some drug abusers reportedly use sedating substances to extend the effects of heroin and to diminish the after-effects of crack or cocaine. Unfortunately, these substances also have been misused to commit sexual assault by spiking the victims' beverage.   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 hydroxybutyrate (GHB), 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, barbituates, 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. What are the physical effects of sedating substances? 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 judgement, disinhibition, dizziness, and confusion. If an individual appears extremely intoxicated after consuming a non-alcoholic beverage, or only a small amount of alcohol, they may have unknowingly ingested one of a number of substances. 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. This means that the person may not remember what happened while under the drug's influence. 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. How can I reduce my risk of being drugged and sexually assaulted? There are a number of precautions to take to reduce the risk of being drugged:
What should I do if I think I've been drugged and sexually assaulted? 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 the hospital. Here are a few guidelines the DC Rape Crisis Center suggests you follow:
Can I prove I've been Drugged? If you think you have been drugged, ask the rape crisis center, 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. The findings of such tests can provide valuable evidence in a court of law if you wish to prosecute the case, but it is important that the sample be handled according to proper legal procedures. Hoffmann-La Roche, a research-based pharmaceutical company, has made available a free drug-testing service for cases of sexual assault in which drugs are believed to be involved. This service can be accessed by rape crisis centers, law enforcement, and hospital emergency room personnel by calling (800)608-6540. Testing is conducted by an independent laboratory that is certified to perform tests for legal evidence. Roche established this free drug-testing service out of concern following reports that one of its medicines, Rohypnol, may have been misused in this way. Rohypnol is a prescription medicine available in 80 countries outside the United States for the medical treatment of severe and debilitating sleep disorders. For information on Rohypnol, please call Hoffmann-La Roche at (800)720-1076. Can alcohol have similar sedating effects? 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 of alcohol are very similar to those of sedating drugs and include impaired judgement and motor coordination, disinhibition, dizziness, confusion, and extreme drowsiness. If enough alcohol is consumed, an individual may fall unconscious or may not remember the details of what occurred. Here are some tips that may help reduce your risk of sexual assault in social situations where alcohol is served:
Where can I go for help? 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:
|
| Women's Crisis Services is a Monadnock United Way Agency. Women's Crisis Services of the Monadnock Region, 12 Court St. Keene, NH. 03431 Women's Crisis Services of the Monadnock Region, 47 Peterborough St. Suite B, Jaffrey, NH. 03452 All graphics are the property of Women's Crisis Service's of the Monadnock Region, and New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, © Copyright 2002 |
| Web site designed by Trudy Emmerick |