Date rape drugs are types of drugs that are used to help someone commit sexual assault or rape. You can become unconscious or unable to defend yourself or remember what happened for the period that the drug was in your system.
Types of date rape drugs. Three common types of date rape drugs used in the U.S. are GHB, Rohypnol (also known as “roofies”), and Ketamine. You may not know that your drink has been spiked with one of these drugs until you start to feel the side effects—like dizziness, nausea, confusion, sleepiness, or a drunk feeling—because these drugs are often clear in color, odorless, and tasteless.
How to prevent being drugged
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended. If someone offers you a drink, watch the drink being mad;e
- Don’t share drinks or drink from a communal punch bowl that someone else has prepared; Buy your own drinks and know what you are drinking;
- Don’t drink something you did not open, or see opened or poured;
- If you’re unsure about your drink or if you think it tastes strange, stop drinking it. In some cases, GHB can taste salty, although this taste is often masked by the taste of a drink.
What to do if you think you’ve been drugged. If you think someone has put a date rape drug in your drink, immediately tell someone you trust, like a friend, or call the police. If you’re in a public place, you can also tell the bartender, waitress, manager, or security staff.
Date rape drugs and the law. Although certain drugs like Ketamine are legal in the U.S. for medical purposes, they’re tightly restricted and should not be used to drug someone against his or her knowledge. Roofies are illegal in the U.S. And in every case, sexual assault and rape are illegal.
Acknowledgement: This fact sheet was originally developed by youth and staff at ReachOut.com, a website that helps teens get through tough times.
