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Rohypnol and GHB

Rohypnol (also called ruffies or the "date rape" drug) and GHB are two drugs that are often implicated in sexual assaults. These drugs are sometimes used recreationally but are often given to a person without his/her knowledge or consent. The drugs are odorless and tasteless (GHB can leave a slightly salty taste in a drink) and can be easily dissolved in a drink. When either of these drugs is administered, you can suffer from disinhibition, loss of consciousness, and the inability to remember events that took place while under the influence. There have been a number of deaths as the result of GHB.
  • It is important to remember that if friends inadvertently consume one of these drugs, they may not realize it.
     
  • It is important that you pay attention to your friends and that you get them to safety if you feel their behavior is not merely the result of their alcohol consumption.
     
  • It is also important to remember that you and your friends need to watch out for each other in order to avoid consuming beverages that have been laced with dangerous substances.

University of Minnesota students have been sexually assaulted where the perpetrator used drugs such as these. Boynton Health Service and the Program Against Sexual Violence want you and your friends to be safe and we ask that you make yourself familiar with the information below and that you share it with your friends.
 
Signs That You May Have Been Drugged with Rohypnol or GHB

  • If you feel more intoxicated than usual, given the amount of alcohol you consumed.

  • If you wake up very hung over, feeling "fuzzy," experiencing memory lapses, and can't account for a period of time.

  • If you cannot remember what happened after consuming your last drink.

  • If you feel as though someone had sex with you without your consent, but you can't remember any or all of the incident.
What To Do If You Are Drugged

  • Go to a safe place.

  • Get help immediately.

  • Ask a friend to stay with you and assist you in getting the help you need.

  • Call the local police.

  • Go to a hospital emergency department as soon as possible for an examination and evidence collection.

  • Request that the hospital take a urine sample to test for drugs in your system.

  • If you believe you were sexually assaulted, preserve as much physical evidence as possible. Do not urinate, shower, bathe, douche, or throw away the clothing that you were wearing during the incident.
How To Avoid Becoming Drugged

  • Do not drink beverages that you did not open yourself.

  • Do not share or exchange drinks with anyone.

  • Do not drink from a punch bowl or from a container that is being passed around.

  • Do not leave your drink unattended; if you do, throw it away.

  • If someone offers you a drink from the bar, accompany the person to the bar to order the drink, watch the drink being poured, and carry the drink yourself.

  • Do not drink anything that has an unusual taste or appearance (e.g., salty taste, excessive foam, unexplained residue, etc.)

As soon as possible after you notice a "strange feeling" following your consumption of alcohol, you should place a sample of your urine in a refrigerator until you can rule out GHB, Rohypnol or similar drugs as a cause. 

For additional information contact the Program Against Sexual Violence at (612) 626-2929 or for crisis assistance call (612) 626-9111. 

 
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 Last modified on August 22, 2008