Alcohol and Drug Facilitated Rape

Common signs & symptoms that a rape drug may have been used

• Feeling a lot more intoxicated than one's usual experience with the amount of alcohol consumed.
• Waking up feeling very hung over and "fuzzy," experiencing memory lapse, and unable to account for a period.
• Remember taking a drink but cannot recall what happened for a period after consuming the drink
• Feeling as though someone had sex with you, but you can't recall any of or the entire incident.

What to do if you suspect a drug was used:

• Get help.
• Call the police.
• Get medical care immediately. Go to a hospital emergency department or a specialized forensic clinic as soon as possible for an examination and evidence collection. Most rape drugs metabolize quickly. The sooner medical care is received, the more likely it is that evidence can be found to help identify any substances within the body

Alcohol

On college campuses, alcohol use contributes greatly to sexual victimization. Most of the sexual assaults experienced by college students occur in situations that involve drinking by the victim, the assailant, or both; and when one person then uses the other person’s incapacity against them. Capacity plays a big role in alcohol related sexual assaults.

Rohypnol

Often colorless, odorless, and tasteless when dissolved in drinks, Rohypnol, upon ingestion, causes sedation, muscle relaxation, and a hypnotic effect or rapid induction of sleep. It is fast acting with the onset of its effects occurring within 20 to 30 minutes after ingestion. Individuals raped under the influence of Rohypnol tend to feel as though they quickly became intoxicated and then suffer amnesia as to what happened afterwards. New additives to this drug used by prescription in other countries tend to turn clear drinks bright blue and dark drinks to appear murky.

Ecstasy (MDMA)

Readily absorbed and quick acting, usually within 30 to 60 minutes, Ecstasy causes euphoria, disinhibition, and dizziness. It is commonly available in a pill form.

GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate)

Usually GHB is a white, powdery substance that quickly dissolves in drinks. It is also available as a liquid. Although it is colorless and odorless when dissolved, it can have a salty taste. Its effects are like Rohypnol and rapidly occur within 15 to 30 minutes after ingestion.

Ketamine

A powerful anesthetic tranquilizer, Ketamine’s effects occur within about 20 minutes after ingestion. It is available as a liquid, powder, or pill.

Reducing the risk:

Alcohol and drug facilitated rape often occur either by someone slipping something into another’s drink or by taking advantage of someone who has become incapacitated. Following these tips may reduce the risk of being taken advantage of or unknowingly drugged.

The Do's

• Eat a good meal before going out to party. Eat while drinking as well.
• Drink in moderation and it’s okay not to drink too.
• If possible, bring your own drinks to parties and only you open them.
• If someone offers you a drink at a club or party, accompany the person to the bar to order your drink, watch the drink being poured, and carry the drink yourself.
• If you realize that your drink has been left unattended, discard it.
• Watch out for friends who appear to be under the influence or who seem to be more intoxicated than the amount of alcohol would warrant.

The Don'ts

• Don't drink beverages that you did not open.
• Don't share or exchange drinks.
• Don't take a drink from a common punch bowl.
• Don't drink from a container that is being passed around.
• Don't leave your drink unattended while talking, dancing, using the restroom, or on your phone.
• Don't drink anything that has an unusual taste or appearance (e.g., salty taste, excessive foam, unexplained residue).

A Common Sense Approach

Remember, alcohol/drug related sexual assault occurs when one lacks capacity to give consent and the other, regardless of whether drinking or not, takes advantage of the situation. Never take advantage of someone’s incapacity. Ask yourself: right now, would I let them drive, text their ex, call their grandma, etc. If the answer is no, then why would you think they have the capacity to consent to sexual activity? Wait until they are sober and able to consent.