When attending social gatherings or events, it’s important to stay with trusted friends or individuals you feel comfortable with. Having a reliable support system can provide an additional layer of protection. Look out for each other and be aware of any changes in behavior or signs that someone may be experiencing the effects of a roofie.
How are people spiked?
Rohypnol, or Flunitrazepam, is a central nervous system depressant that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Most of all, don’t underestimate the stress and trauma of your experience. Remind yourself that this all too commonly happens ― to women and men, and to people of all ages, not just college students ― and that you’re not alone or to blame for the violence done to you. 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.
Staying Informed and Protected
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. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care.
- Additionally, we’ll explore how to prevent these incidents and the support systems available for survivors of drug-facilitated sexual assault.
- It could also simply mean monitoring you while the drug wears off, or connecting you with mental health providers who can help you deal with any emotional fallout from the experience.
- However, it’s more common for victims to experience psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
- While these symptoms closely resemble the effects of a hangover from alcohol, many victims do not identify that they have been raped.
If you notice any suspicious behavior or feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and take appropriate action. It’s important to remember that your safety should always be your top priority. By being aware of these symptoms, individuals can recognize the potential presence of a roofie and take immediate action to ensure their safety. These drugs are typically odorless, tasteless, and can be easily dissolved in beverages, making them difficult to detect.
Drugs like Rohypnol, GHB, and ketamine are the most commonly used date-rape drugs, but it’s hard to know exactly how commonly they are used because many cases go unreported. However, when a person is roofied, they likely only had 1 or 2 drinks and don’t remember very much after that point until they have woken up. Recovering from the physical drug effects of being roofied often takes about a day, but recovering emotionally and mentally may take many years.
In the moment, attempt to identify a safe bystander who can help you.
Calls to numbers marked with (I) symbols will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed in our Terms and Conditions, each of which is a paid advertiser. “I want to say to survivors that this is not your fault,” Ashley Slay, SARP assistant director of interpersonal violence prevention, shared in BU Today. The hospitals nearest to campus include Boston Medical Center on the Medical Campus, St. Elizabeth’s in Brighton, Brigham and Women’s in Longwood, and Beth Israel Deaconess in Longwood. Cambridge hospitals include Cambridge Health Alliance in Inman Square and Mount Auburn Hospital in West Cambridge. For additional peace of mind, you can always purchase reusable cup covers (like these Nightcap scrunchies) to take with you on nights out.
In high doses, a person can become unconscious and may not remember what happened to them. Would you help us provide essential information to our readers during this critical time? “It’s scary how fast you can be drugged unknowingly, even when you think you’re being alert and aware of your surroundings,” she said. Hansen, the woman drugged at an Austin bar, said she’s still speaking with a therapist to work through her trauma. Unfortunately, the bar had no cameras near the drink station, so there was no way to identify whoever had drugged them. The pair of friends went back to their table, where Hansen texted her boyfriend and told him she was headed home soon.
Our member Rape Crisis centres provide free, local support and services for victims and survivors of rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse and all other forms of sexual violence. Under the law, rape is always just rape and sexual assault is always just sexual assault – no matter if the victim or survivor knew their perpetrator or if they were spiked with alcohol or drugs. Seeking help from mental health professionals is crucial for processing the trauma and reducing symptoms of PTSD.
If there’s any chance you were assaulted, you can contact local resources for help, including sexual assault hotlines or medical professionals. However, to be fully treated for being roofied, the person who was attacked will need support to help them heal emotionally from the trauma of the experience, especially if drugged sex was involved. This can be done through therapy, support groups, and other mental health treatments. However, it will likely need to involve both physical and mental care. Getting medical attention is essential to make sure that the drugs are safely leaving the body and to check for any underlying injuries or roofied meaning interactions.
