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PREDATORY DRUGS
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
IF YOU HAVE BEEN A VICTIM
PREDATORY DRUGS
Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine
GHB, Rohypnol, and Ketamine are predominantly
central nervous system depressants. Because they are often colorless, tasteless,
and odorless, they can be added to beverages and ingested unknowingly. These
drugs emerged a few years ago as "date rape" drugs. Because of concern about
their abuse, Congress passed the "Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment
Act of 1996" in October 1996. This legislation increased Federal penalties
for use of any controlled substance to aid in sexual assault.
Rohypnol
It is a potent tranquilizer which produces
a sedative effect, amnesia, muscle relaxation, and slowing of psychomotor
response. The pill is distributed in 0.5,1.0 to 2.0 milligram form. It is
colorless, odorless, and tasteless and dissolves without leaving any traces.
It takes effect approximately 10 - 20 minutes after ingestion. Rohypnol can
be added to any liquid (effect lasting 2-8 hours) but when added to alcohol
it produces disinhibition and amnesia (effect lasting 8 - 24 hours). Rohypnol
can be detected in the blood for 24 hours and in the urine for 48 hours.
Some individuals use Rohypnol as an alcohol extender for a rapid and dramatic
high. This is something to watch for in social settings if individuals seem
extremely intoxicated after consuming only a small amount of alcohol.
Street Names: Roofies, Rope, Ruffies, R2, Ruffles,
Roche, Forget-pill.
GHB
It is an odorless, colorless, liquid depressant
with anesthetic qualities. It is also used as an amino acid by bodybuilders.
GHB is usually distributed as a sodium salt in powder or tablet form commonly
dissolved in water. This drug gives a feeling of relaxation, tranquility,
sensuality, and loss off inhibitions (especially for women). The drug takes
effect 10 - 15 minutes after ingestion and lasts 2 - 3 hours unless combined
with alcohol, where effect may last 20 - 30 hours. Large doses can induce
sudden sleep within 5 - 10 minutes.
Street Names: Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Scoop,
Easy Lay.
Ketamine
It is a new drug that has been added to the
predator drug category. It is a powerful anesthetic used as an animal tranquilizer.
It is available in liquid, powder or pill form. Ketamine causes hallucinations,
amnesia and dissociation (a feeling where the mind seems separated from the
body) making it attractive for a potential date rapist.
Street Names: 'K', Special K, Vitamin K, Ket.
MDMA (Ecstasy)
MDMA is a synthetic, psychoactive drug with
both stimulant (amphetamine-like) and hallucinogenic (LSD-like) properties.
Its chemical structure (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, "MDMA") is similar
to methamphetamine, methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), and mescaline - these
are synthetic drugs known to cause severe neurological impairment. MDMA usually
is taken in pill form, but some users snort it, inject it, or use it in suppository
form.
In a 5-year retrospective of emergency room
mentions of club drugs,** the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration reports that emergency room mentions involving MDMA increased
from 250 in 1994 to 2,850 in 1999.
Street Names: Ecstasy, Adam, XTC, hug, beans,
and love drug.
For more information please check out the
following site: http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofax/clubdrugs.html
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
- for men and women
- Check out the Rape Aggression Defense System (R.A.D) program offered here at the College of Charleston! This program is a national program that stresses self-defense for females. It is offered free of charge to College of Charleston students (normally $25)!.
- When at a bar, campus or private parties, never leave your drink unattended.
- Take your drink with you wherever you
go, even to the rest room.
- Leave your drink with someone you trust
very much.
- If you do leave your drink unattended,
throw it out and make a new one.
- Watch your friends' drinks if they are
not alert.
- Use the "buddy" system at parties.
- At a bar, watch the bartender as he/she
makes your drink.
- Never accept a drink from someone you
do not know or someone you do not know very well.
- Avoid open drinks, such as punch.
- Know your sexual desires and limits.
- Communicate your sexual desires and limits
clearly.
- Don't assume a person wants sexual contact
because of the way that they are dressed, being friendly or if they have
been drinking.
- Listen to what a person says and accept
their limits.
- Don't take being rejected for sex as being rejected as a person.
- Be alert for any warning signs.
- If you are feeling uncomfortable in a situation, pay attention to the feeling and do something about it.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN A VICTIM
- Go to the hospital emergency room as quickly
as possible
- If possible, DO NOT go to the bathroom
(if you have to go to the bathroom, collect your urine in a container with
a lid). These drugs clear the system pretty quickly.
- Contact C.A.R.E (843) 953-5522 for information about your rights as a victim. C.A.R.E. is a program designed to help students and secondary victims navigate through the medical, criminal, legal and academic processes.
- Get help and support, such as counseling.
You have been through a trauma and need help to deal with the situation and
with your feelings. Women who get counseling get over their experiences faster
and with fewer lasting effects than those who get no help. Individuals who
can help are counselors, rape hotlines
, People Against Rape (P.A.R.)
, emergency rooms, doctors, nurses and police trained to help rape victims.
- Do not blame yourself. Even if you believe you were naive, not cautious, or even foolish, it is not your fault. Your behavior did not cause the rape; the rapist caused the rape.
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