Date Rape Drugs
I’ve heard the term ‘date rape’ drugs or ‘Ruffies.’ What are they?
“Ruffies”, a nickname for the drug Rohypnol, has been widely publicized as the drug used for sexual assault. The truth is that many different drugs can be added to a drink, causing incapacitation, memory loss, or altered judgment. The MOST common drug used for sexual assault continues to be alcohol.
Symptoms that might indicate being drugged include:
• sudden nausea, vomiting, dizziness or incapacitation in reaction to a drink (especially when only a moderate amount of alcohol or no alcohol was consumed)
• loss of memory (especially when only a moderate amount of alcohol or no alcohol was consumed)
• altered state of mind or unusual behavior (e.g. suddenly aggressive, unusually flirtatious, or acting outside of normal behavior)
• Each drug has different symptoms
If you think that you or a friend may have been drugged, seek medical attention immediately.
A toxicology screening can test for drugs in your system soon after being ingested. Toxicology screenings can be done for free along with a “rape kit.”
Safety Tips
It’s never your fault if someone slips a drug into your drink. However, knowing some ways to reduce your risk can keep you safer:
• Open your drink yourself, or watch it being opened.
• Never leave your drink unattended — no matter where you are.
• Don’t accept previously opened drinks, or sips of drinks, from others.
• Go to a bar or party with a friend or group of friends and make sure that you all leave together.
• If you start feeling strange or sick, tell a friend right away.
• If you drink alcohol, drink a small to moderate amount.
If you see a friend acting strangely or seeming “out of it” check in with them right away and offer help. Do not let them leave with someone else.
