How to Recognize the Signs & Symptoms of Being Roofied

It is more potent than drugs like Valium (diazepam) or Xanax (alprazolam). Roofies can be abused as recreational or “club” drugs, much like ketamine, ecstasy (MDMA), or gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). They are classified as a Schedule IV drug in the United States. While it is never the victim’s fault for being exposed to roofies, some steps can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming a victim. While some of these may seem straightforward, many people who have been roofied fall victim to simple techniques used by criminals. Another indicator that someone has been roofied is if they have been talking to strangers shortly before effects present themselves, especially if said strangers have bought them drinks.

What is the Date Rape Drug Called?

For example, GHB may be detected for up to 10 hours after ingestion, while Rohypnol may be detected for up to 60 hours after being ingested. Rohypnol also makes it harder to think clearly or make decisions, which can put users in dangerous situations. It is also important to go out with people you trust and ensure everyone looks out for each other. Roofies are especially dangerous because they are often undetectable—they are colorless, tasteless, and odorless. Rohypnol is often smuggled into the U.S from other countries, such as Mexico.

The “user” almost always does not realize they’ve ingested it, as it has most likely been slipped into their (unattended) drinks at a club or party. Within minutes, the person taking the drug will feel incredibly relaxed or overly tired and wanting to sleep. They will not be totally unconscious but will not be in any position to understand, much less stop what is happening to them.

Symptoms of Being Roofied: Why Are Roofies Used By Predators?

The signs and symptoms of being roofied closely mimic those of simply having consumed too much alcohol, particularly if consumed in combination with cannabis products. This means it can be difficult to discern the difference, in some cases, between someone who’s been slipped drugs and someone who’s overindulged. Feelings of euphoria are also common in the initial stages, particularly among those who are also consuming alcohol.

Sadly, owing to the rapid nature of roofies affecting the victim and their sedative properties, many people do not realize they have been drugged until it is too late. As roofies cause gaps in memory, it is often difficult to recognize if you have been a victim the following day. These drugs are also called “downers”, sedatives or tranquilizers.

That’s part of the reason sharing your experience can be so powerful. The culture of silence around date rape drugs, Dr. Albers explains, makes this kind of crime easier to pull off. But there are protective measures you, your friends and the places you go can take to (1) reduce the likelihood of being dosed and (2) feel more confident when you’re out on the town. Whether you decide to undergo an exam or not, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about emergency contraception, STI testing and post-exposure prophylaxis. Once you have all the information you need, you can make an informed decision about your next steps.

It is important to remember that a negative sample does not necessarily mean that it is drug-free, only that it contains a drug at a concentration that is below the established cut-off. The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a symptoms of ruffy nonprofit, international drug education program proudly sponsored by the Church of Scientology and Scientologists all over the world. Yes, Rohypnol is illegal in the United States and many other countries. It is classified as a Schedule IV substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This means that it has a high potential for abuse and can lead to physical or psychological dependence. By staying informed and vigilant, we can work together to prevent these crimes and support those affected by them.

Trying to ignore the experience or pretend it didn’t happen can make the symptoms much worse and last longer. The mental and emotional fallout from being attacked can last for years after the event, especially if it is not addressed with the help of a professional. If you think you or a friend has been spiked, it is important to call the police or go to the hospital.

Are Roofies Legal?

Lower doses cause sedation and relaxation and higher doses promote sleep. While Rohypnol is in the same class as Valium, it is 10x more potent and was never approved to be sold or used in the United States. They are smuggled into the U.S. packaged (disguised) as OTC cold medicine or contraceptive pills in 1mg or 2mg flunitrazepam concentrations.

Confusion

When a date rape drug begins to cause symptoms and how long they last depends on how much you are given and whether it’s mixed with alcohol or other drugs. Symptoms of date rape drugs generally include dizziness, confusion, and loss of memory. The mental and physical health consequences of being roofied can be serious. By taking the above preventative measures and knowing the signs, you can better protect yourself. If you’re struggling to recover from the trauma, FHE Health may be able to help. Reach out to us anytime to receive compassionate mental health care.

• Part of the appeal of Rohypnol as a party drug (especially among young people) is its low cost.
• Confusion about the events of the time prior to waking up usually continues well beyond what you would expect.
• Perpetrators will use the colorless tablets to conceal their aims.
• Flunitrazepam is a prescription benzodiazepine that is used to treat severe insomnia.

The slang term for ingesting a drink that has been spiked with a date rape drug is known as “getting roofied” from the name Rohypnol. Disorientation and dissociation are the strongest symptoms and signs of being roofied. If you’ve been roofied (or had your drink spiked with drugs), you might experience mental fogginess, muscle relaxation, and blackouts.

How Long Do Side Effects of Being Roofied Last?

This drug can cause anterograde amnesia and upon waking, the victim will have no recollection of events. Roofies are known as “date rape” drugs because they leave people in a sedated and incapacitated state, which can make them more vulnerable to being sexual assault by another individual. Farmer says the danger lies in not being able to protect yourself. Roofies are tasteless, odorless and were at one point used to dissolve clear in liquid, making it hard to detect if someone had secretly put a roofie in your drink.

If you suspect that you or a friend have been dosed with a date rape drug, it’s critical that you don’t attempt to drive. It’s equally dangerous to leave your location on foot or via public transportation. Some drugs used to spike drinks leave your system quickly, while others can linger for 12 hours or more.

• If you or someone you love has been roofied, we’re here to help.
• Don’t bathe or change your clothing before you go, so the hospital can collect evidence.
• So, the best way to deal with addiction is to seek help from drug rehab.
• In terms of legality in the United States of America, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved the drug, and roofies, aka Rohypnol, are illegal.

Flunitrazepam is a prescription benzodiazepine that is used to treat severe insomnia. Back in the 1970s, this drug was popularly known as roofies and later became infamous as a date rape drug. In terms of legality in the United States of America, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved the drug, and roofies, aka Rohypnol, are illegal. The term “roofied” comes from the name Rohypnol, the brand name for flunitrazepam. “Roofied” has come to mean being drugged against one’s will with any drug, including ketamine and GHB.

These symptoms are similar to those you’d feel if you drank too much. However, you may have been roofied if the symptoms are stronger than expected based on the amount you drank. But you may have been roofied if the symptoms are stronger than you expect based on the amount you drank. Date rape drugs, sometimes called “roofies,” can cause a range of symptoms.

“Flunitrazepam is not the only agent we see when someone comes into the Emergency Department related to DFSA,” he says. “There are other agents that we might find, such as gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and ketamine. But the most common agent is actually alcohol.” Your trusted resource for health and wellness information and the latest medical advances to help you and your family live better. They either take the pills normally, crush and snort them, or inject them when they’re dissolved in water. Rohypnol is usually sold in pill form and is typically small, round, and white.