|
|
|
|
Roofies
Rohypnol or flunitrazepam, commonly known as roofies, is an illegal
drug that is an accomplice to many rapes
occurring around the country. Assailants dissolve a few tablets of roofies
in a drink and give it to an unaware victim. The victim drinks the contents
and, within twenty to thirty minutes, begins to feel the effects of
the drug. Among other effects, roofies is a sedative and muscle relaxant,
and causes amnesia. When used with alcohol or other drugs, the effects
are even more rapid. People who use it often pass out or become so dazed
that they cannot remember or control what is going on around them. To
other people, the victim will appear to be heavily intoxicated. Assailants
often will rape or sexually assault the victim once the drug begins
to affect the victim, since he or she is unconscious and will not be
able to put up a fight. Victims may also wake up in an unfamiliar or
dangerous situation after the drug wears off.
Taken often enough, roofies can be both physically and psychologically
addictive, with severe withdrawal symptoms if not taken. Roofies can
even be fatal, especially when mixed with heroin. GHB, or "easy
lay," is a different illegal drug with similar effects.
Other common names for rohypnol include circles, Mexican valium, rib,
roaches, roach-2, R-2, roofies, rope, ropies, and ruffies. A slang term
for being affected by the drug is being roached out.
Never accept an open drink from someone you don't know well. Keep your
drink near you at a bar or club to prevent someone from slipping a drug
into your drink. If you do leave your drink at the bar or at the table,
don't drink it. Buy a new one. While roofies is colorless and odorless,
it may have a bitter taste when dissolved in alcohol. When placed in
a light-colored drink, however, it will turn the beverage blue. The
drug may also form small chunky pieces in a drink. Be aware of what
you are drinking while in these situations.
People under the influence of alcohol or drugs are absolutely incapable
of giving sexual consent, no matter what. Even if the person says s/he
willingly gives consent, it is still rape if that person has sex with
another individual. If your partner seems to be under the influence
of alcohol or drugs, wait until the effects wear off until pursuing
any sexual activity.
Sources:
"ACUTE CARE, INC. - Rohypnol," http://www.acutecare.com/roofie.htm,
2/3/98.
"Rohypnol 'Roofies' and Rape," http://www.columbia.edu/cu/healthwise/0884.html,
2/3/98.
"Roofies; Date Rape Drug of Choice," http://www.emergency.com/roofies.htm,
2/3/98.
"Taylor-made Commentary May 18-19, 1996," http://www.netpass.com/taylor/c5-17.html,
2/3/98.
Special K
Ketamine Hydrochloride, also known as Special K and Vitamin K, is a
powerful drug often found in raves and similar atmospheres. People who
take Special K experience a trance-like state accompanied by dizziness,
hallucination, increased senses, and even unconsciousness.
Special K has been linked with rape, in much the same way roofies have
been. As with all drugs and alcohol, a person on Special K is never
capable of sexual consent, no matter how clear-headed they appear. Sexual
contact with someone intoxicated with drugs or alcohol is rape.
Sources:
"KETAMINE : Article," http://www.erowid.com/entheogens/ketamine/ketamine_art.shtml,
2/16/98.
"KETAMINE: FAQ," http://www.erowid.com/entheogens/ketamine/ketamine_faq.shtml,
2/16/98.
|
