Date Rape Drugs

There are two substances on the market that are known as date rape drugs: GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) and Rohypnol. These substances are well known as being used by rapists. Everybody is vulnerable. The following advice is applicable when you work but also when you go out to a bar with your friends.

What does a date rape drug look like?
It is sold as pills or powder. It is colourless, odourless, and tasteless. That is why it is used by rapists and attackers.

The effects
The effects happen very fast. The drug provokes a loss of consciousness that can last up to 12 hours. Within 20 to 30 minutes, you will suddenly begin to feel tired and become less coordinated. It feels like an anesthetic like the ones used at the hospital, but it doesn’t put you to sleep. It’s like being very, very drunk. Afterwards, it is often difficult to remember what happened.

Signs of intoxication
After one or two drinks, you feel like you drank 10. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, be careful because these drugs can be put in any kind of liquid. However the effects will be slower to appear in non-alcoholic drinks.

What to do?
Talk to someone you trust. Ask this person to take you to a hospital or a CLSC immediately. Don’t leave with a client, even if he is very nice. If possible, don’t leave alone.

If you think you’ve been drugged or sexually assaulted, go to the hospital immediately. Hospitals generally have services for victims of sexual assault. They will take care of you.

Do it fast
After a sexual assault, it is important to go to the hospital as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more it will be difficult to detect these drugs in your blood. Hospitals and CLSCs can do the test to prove you were drugged in the month following the assault. Also, treatments to prevent STIs can be given to rape victims. You have the choice of taking these treatments or not.