The Lowdown On Date Rape Drugs And How To Avoid Becoming A Rapist's Prey

The late 1980's brought a new way for rapists to get their jollies – the date rape drug. You might have heard it called GHB or Rohypnol which are but two forms of the drug. There are countless other variations of the date rape drug which essentially renders its victims defenseless and their memory hazy. The drug comes in a variety of forms such as quick dissolving pills, powder or the most popular – a liquid. It has no color or smell and mixed in with a drink, no taste either.

The date rape drug has been popular on the club scene because it is quite easy to slip the drug undetected into a drink sitting on the table. Rapists will go on a date or two to render a date more complacent and trusting before using the drug. It is quite illegal but can be purchased virtually anywhere, even the internet. Because of its availability and effects on women who ingest it, it can be quite dangerous.

Basically a sedative drug, the date rape tool only takes about 15 to 20 minutes to take effect on the victim. Each person will experience different side effects but generally there are feelings of confusion, hazy memory, lack of inhibition and eventually the victim will pass out unconscious. If they are lucky, they will wake up in a few hours because the date rape drugs have been known to cause death from respiratory distress and even a heart attack in some victims.

Date rape drugs are tricky because they cause amnesiatic type symptoms in victims and they will likely have no recollection of what transpired in the hours before. Finding bruises, ripped clothing and evidence of sex when there was no memory of it are usually the only signs a woman has that a rape might have occurred. The drawback to proving a drug was used to subdue the victim is the fact that the drug does not leave traces in the body and usually cannot be found in a toxicology screening.

Avoiding the Date Rape Drug

There are several ways to avoid being a victim of date rape through the use of one of these potent drugs. First of all, when you are in a restaurant, bar or club, never leave your drink unattended as an open drink is an opportunity to slip in a drug without your knowledge. You should only accept drinks that are personally served by the waiter or bartender. Do not allow any strangers to buy you a drink and deliver it to you. Also, if you are at a party where you don't know everyone, refrain from drinking from the communal punch bowl or accepting an open drink from someone.

Attend parties or events with friends so that you all can watch out for one another. You know each other well so when someone in your group starts acting strange or drunk before their normal limit, be wary of the date rape drug. Take your friend to the hospital as the drug could possibly be detected within the first 72 hours if the doctors know to look for it. Never leave a party or event alone but rather with the friends you went with so as to avoid becoming isolated from safety.

If you happen to be alone and feel strange after consuming a drink, do not hesitate to call for help immediately. You don't have much time before you are totally unconscious and unable to protect yourself. If you think that you are a victim of the date rape drug and are not sure if you were raped, do not take a bath or clean up. Move straight for the hospital or the police station and get help. You will likely have to go through a rape examination and give blood to be tested for drugs.

By taking just a few precautions against the date rape drug, you can avoid many problems. Avoidance is the first line of self defense.