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Date Rape Drugs

Roachies, Rope, Roofies, R2, Liquid Ecstasy, Easy Lay, Special K, K

By Samantha Wilson, Founder of Kidproof Canada/USA

These are all street names for the most common types of date rape drugs used by predators.

You may know them as Rohypnol, GHB (Gamma-Hydroxy Butyrate) and Ketamine. Periodically the media latches onto the dangers of date rape drugs and warns women of the potential risks – but teenage girls need to take notice as well.

The use of drugs to incapacitate a target is becoming more prevalent in Canada. In the spring and summer of 2003, Vancouver Police had reported over 40 cases of possible sexual assaults due to drinks that were spiked.

However, the true numbers may never be known. The reason is that if these drugs are used successfully, the victim is often left with no recollection of the event, and may not even realize that they had been raped. Some victims have a strong sense that something happened but by the time they piece it all together, it is often too late to collect any evidence. Any trace of these drugs in the victim’s blood disappear after a very short time, as soon as 48 hours.

For a quick lesson in chemistry, here is an overview of each drug:

Rohypnol is produced in Europe and Latin America as a sedative. It comes from the same family as Valium but it is much stronger. It comes in the form of tablets.

If ingested, your muscles will relax, and your inhibitions will be lowered. It can cause complete blackouts and amnesia, especially when taken with alcohol. It works fast – only taking 10 – 20 minutes to see the effects. It has no smell, no taste and no color (however manufacturers are working on making it turn blue when diluted).

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