Date Rape

The Drug

General Information:

Rohypnol (row-hip-nol) is the most commonly known date rape drug. Formally named Flunitrazepam, the drug is not legalloy available in the United States. However, in other parts of the world, it is an approved medicine that is mainly prescribed for short-term treatment of sleep disorders. Rohypnol is a tranquilizer much like Valium, yet is ten times more potent. The drug produces sedative effects, including amnesia, muscle relaxation, and the slowing of psychomotor performance.

Illicit use of Rohypnol originated in Europe in the 1970's and has increased worldwide since then. But, the drug did not appear in the United States until the early 1990's. Today, Rohypnol is one of the fastest growing drug problems spreading across the United States. The inexpensive cost, ranging from $2 to $3 per pill, attracts young users. Rohypnol tablets are white, scored on one side, with the word "ROCHE" and an encircled one or two (depending on the dosage) on the other. Rohypnol is typically sold in its original bubble packaging, conveying a sense of legality and security in its use.

High school students report use of the drug as a "cheap drunk" and as a cure for alcohol hangovers. Typically, however, Rohypnol is used along with alcohol and other drugs. College students using Rohypnol report mixing it with beer to enhance the feeling of drunkenness. It has also been reported to be used in combination with marijuana and cocaine, as well as heroin. Rohypnol is usually ingested orally but can be snorted. Rohypnol use appears to be spreading in the United States among high school and college youth. In some areas, it is associated with gangs, and it is becoming known as a club drug. Rohypnol is now currently associated with date rape and is known as the "date rape drug."

Effects:

Rohypnol intoxication is generally associated with impaired judgment and impaired motor skills and can make a victim unable to resist a sexual attack. The combination of alcohol and Rohypnol is also particularly hazardous because together, their effects on memory and judgment are greater than the effects resulting from either taken alone. Effects begin within thirty minutes, peak within two hours, and can persist for up to eight hours. It is commonly reported that those who become intoxicated on a combination of alcohol and flunitrazepam have "blackouts" lasting eight to twenty-four hours following ingestion. Disinhibition (losing your social inhibitions) is another widely reported effect of Rohypnol, when taken alone or in combination with alcohol. Adverse effects of Rohypnol use include, decreased blood pressure, memory impairment, drowsiness, visual disturbances, dizziness, confusion, gastrointestinal disturbances and urinary retention. Rohypnol is addictive and withdrawal symptoms include headache, muscle pain, confusion, hallucinations and convulsions. Seizures may occur up to a week after cessation of use.

Additional names:

Rophies, roofies, R2, roofenol, Roche, roachies, la rocha, rope, rib, circles, Mexican valium, roach-2, roopies, and ropies.

Consulted Sources:

http://www.4woman.gov & http://www.interactivetheatre.org/resc/drugs.html