Crisis Center B'ham

Sexual assailants using some form of alcohol and/or drugs on their victims has been happening for many years. While alcohol remains the #1 choice, there are many other drugs (legal and illegal) being used by sexual assailants on their victims. These powerful drugs make it virtually impossible for the victim to escape being raped. Their amnesic effects make it difficult to recognize what happened.

"Spiking the punch" or "slipping a Mickey" is nothing new. What is new is that the Date Rape Drugs used now are especially dangerous. when combined with alcohol, other drugs, or various consumption amounts. The combination of mixtures can be fatal.

The most frequently used Date Rape Drugs are Rohypnol, GHB, GBL, and Ketamine. Again, one of the oldest and widely used Date Rape Drugs is alcohol. Drugs and alcohol can lower your inhibitions and make you an easy target for sexual assault.

GHB	Rohypnol	Ketamine	GBL
Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a synthetic drug that acts as a depressant to the central nervous system. It is still used today to treat alcoholism and narcolepsy. It's been alleged to release a growth hormone and stimulate muscle growth. GHB can be produced in clear liquid, white powder, tablet and capsule form. GHB is extremely dangerous due to the wide range of homemade recipes available, ability to be concealed in beverages, and harmful health risks.	Rohypnol is the brand name for a drug called Flunitrazepam, which is a sedative that is about 10 times more powerful than Valium or Xanax. it is also a member of the Benzodiazepine family. Unlike these other drugs, Rohypnol has never been approved for any medical use in the United States. Rohypnol comes in tablet form, and is usually white. It is also stamped with "ROCHE" in a half circle over the number 1.	Ketamine hydrochloride is a general anesthetic for human and veterinary use. Ketamine produces effects similar to PCP with the visual effects of LSD. The drug can affect the senses, judgment, and coordination for 18 to 24 hours. Ketamine sold on the streets comes from diverted legitimate supplies, primarily veterinary clinics. Its appearance is similar to that of pharmaceutical grade cocaine, and it is snorted, injected, placed in alcoholic beverages, or smoked in combination with marijuana.	Gamma Butyrolactone (GBL) is labeled as a dietary supplement, it is illegally marketed as an unapproved new drug. GBL is primarily sold in liquid and powder forms. GBL is promoted with claims to build muscles, improve physical performance, reduce stress and induce sleep. When GBL is taken orally, it is converted in the body to GHB.
Symptoms of GHB	Symptoms of Rohypnol	Symptoms of Ketamine	Symptoms of GBL
Drowsiness, Dizziness, Nausea, Coma, Amnesia, Confusion, Reduced Inhibition, Respiratory Depression, Decreased Blood Pressure, and Impaired Judgement.	Delirium, Amnesia, Impaired Motor Function, High Blood Pressure, Depression, Vomiting, Blurred Vision, Slurring of Speech, Loss of Muscle Coordination, Trembling, and Potentially Fatal Respiratory Problems.	Dizziness, Intoxication, Drowsiness, Coma, Amnesia, Respiratory Depression, Seizures, Hallucinations, Slowed Heartbeat, Unconsciousness, Vomiting, Nausea, Confusion, Headache, Muscle Spasms.	Unconsciousness, Seizures, Vomiting, Coma, Slow Breathing, and Slow Heart Rate.
Street Names	Street Names	Street Names	Street Names
Liquid Ecstasy, Easy Lay, "G", Liquid G, Scoop, Liquid X, Soap, Gook, Gamma 10, Vita G, G-Juice, G-riffic, Grievous Bodily Harm, Great Hormones at Bedtime, Liquid E, Saltwater, Gamma-O, Somatomax, and Georgia Home Boy	Roofies, Ruffies, Roaches, Rophies, La Rocha, Poppas, Roche, Rope, Rib, R-2's, Roofenol, and Forget-Me Pill	Special K. "K", Vitamin K, Cat Valiums, New Ecstasy, Valium K, Ketalar, KitKat, and Ketaject	Renewtrient, Revivarant, Revivarant G, Blue Nitro, Blue Nitro Vitality, GH Revitalizer, Gamma G, Re-energize, and Remforce

The drugs are secretly put into an individual's beverage. The beverages are typically alcoholic; however, the drugs can be placed into any beverage. When the drug dissolves, it is primarily colorless, odorless and in some cases tasteless. Recently, the manufacturers of Rohypnol have coded the drug with a blue dye and slowed the rate at which the drug dissolves. Also in darker drinks Rohypnol will produce a cloudy, murky appearance. GHB has been known to have a salty taste.

After ingestion, the drugs generally take effect in about 15-30 minutes. The effect may last from an hour or less up to 24 hours, depending upon the amount consumed. The victim becomes helpless, weak, and, perhaps, unconscious. Victims become so intoxicated that they can't resist or escape the rapist or even call out for help. Eventually, when the drug wears off the victim may not be able to recall events that took place or remember who was involved.