For further help and support with the aftermath of rape, speak to one of the many charities that specialize in helping those who have been the victim of sexual assault. The sedative effects of Rohypnol are up to 10 times stronger than Valium. This means the onset of effects on the body can appear within 20 minutes of being ingested and can last for over six hours.

FAQ’s For Roofied Symptoms

Even in a seemingly innocuous state like Utah, public health data resources suggest that one in six women experience rape (a figure that also includes attempted rape) during their lifetime. In the U.K., 11% of women claim to have been a victim of roofies or drink spiking. It helps you keep a record of the event, which can be useful if you decide to pursue legal action in the future. It is essential to write down as many details as possible, including the date, time, location, people involved, and any other relevant information. Experiencing these emotional symptoms without a clear reason or trigger can be a cause for concern, especially if accompanied by other signs of being roofied.

When someone is roofied, they might be unable to say no, leaving them exposed to further harm. Understanding what date rape is and how roofies play a role is crucial in both preventing and addressing these incidents. We explain what roofies are, how they work, what symptoms to watch out for, and what signs someone has been roofied you can do if you suspect you or someone you know has been roofied.

Addiction Risks and Treatment Options for Coping with Trauma

A date rape panel drug test can test for substances like GHB, ketamine, and different benzodiazepines like Rohypnol. Often, a person who has been roofied doesn’t remember what happened to them. Once taken, roofie drugs can cause effects that put someone in danger very quickly. It can be difficult to tell when someone has slipped a drug into your drink because roofies are often tasteless, odorless, and colorless. It can be helpful to watch for signs of being roofied like loss of consciousness, dizziness, difficulty moving, or nausea and vomiting.

Detection of Rohypnol is possible up to 60 hours after the drug is ingested. Once intoxication sets in—roughly minutes after ingestion—a person will pass out and remain unconscious for at least a few hours. Today, there are blue-colored tablets formulated to be visible in a drink, as well as the colorless Rohypnol tablets. They may also crush and dissolve the pills or tablets in a strong-flavored alcoholic drink.

Sometimes, people who engage in excessive binge drinking may “blackout” and not remember certain things that happened throughout the night the next day. Mental health treatment can help victims to feel safe, heard, empowered, and healed as they recover from the experience of being roofied. If a person has been sexually assaulted after being spiked, they may experience depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), flashbacks, or suicidal thoughts. Roofies affect each person differently, especially if they have alcohol or other drugs in their system.

Psychologically, Rohypnol impairs judgment and causes memory loss, making users vulnerable to dangerous situations, including sexual assault or other forms of victimization. Date rape is sexual assault during a social situation like a date or party. It can happen when someone is drugged with substances like roofies (Rohypnol) or alcohol to make them unable to resist.

Immediate Actions to Take

The goal is to weaken the victim’s ability to resist or even remember the assault afterward. Signs include sudden disorientation, extreme drowsiness, loss of coordination, memory lapses, slurred speech, nausea, or unconsciousness. If you suspect someone has been roofied, seek medical attention immediately. The most commonly used date rape drugs include Gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) (commonly referred to as “roofies”), and Ketamine. These drugs are typically colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making them easy to slip into drinks without detection.

What Is in Roofies?

At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we offer a full continuum of care to help individuals recover physically, emotionally, and mentally. Because you may lose consciousness very quickly in this situation, acting fast is essential at the onset of any signs you’ve been roofied. It’s also important to seek medical care afterward if you wake up the next day suspecting you’ve been roofied. Benzodiazepines, including Xanax and Valium, are potent depressants that affect the central nervous system. They are known for inducing drowsiness, confusion, and memory loss beyond the expected effects of alcohol consumption. GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), also known as liquid ecstasy, is a central nervous system depressant notorious for its ability to cause sudden weakness, muscle relaxation, and blackouts.

When these drugs are combined with alcohol or other sedatives, the risk increases dramatically. Since roofies can cause lasting impairment, it is important to seek medical help if you experience any lingering symptoms. Professional care is essential to ensure that no long-term harm is done and to assist in your recovery.

Someone who’s been roofied may suffer from memory loss, making it hard to remember events that occurred even before ingesting the drug. When learning how to recover from being roofied, you may experience unpleasant flashbacks, anxiety attacks and even PTSD. A 2015 study found that more than 30% of sexual assault incidences involve drugs used to roofie.

• Victims may also experience feelings of shame or guilt, wondering if they did something to invite the attack.
• Since spiking a drink aims to make the victim helpless, most drugs used to roofie cause muscle relaxation.
• Stick with friends and those you trust to ensure your safety in party situations.
• If you suspect that someone has been roofied, your immediate actions can make all the difference.

Document Your Experience

• If you suspect someone’s been roofied, the first thing you should do is have them drink as much water as possible.
• Always keep an eye on your drink, whether you’re taking alcoholic beverages at home or a party, bar or club.
• They can guide you through the next steps and offer resources designed to help you recover.
• If you suspect you’ve been roofied, take immediate and deliberate actions to protect yourself and preserve any potential evidence.
• Whatever you choose to do is the right thing — and it’s OK for that “right thing” to change over time.
• It is essential to write down as many details as possible, including the date, time, location, people involved, and any other relevant information.

If you’re struggling to recover from the trauma, FHE Health may be able to help. Seeking immediate medical attention also helps if the victim decides to pursue legal recourse. If the person has been sexually assaulted, they’ll need to go to a hospital so the facility’s sexual assault team can collect forensic evidence. We provide comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment, including therapy, counseling, and support groups, to help survivors heal and regain control of their lives. Being vigilant and aware of your surroundings is crucial in protecting yourself from potential harm. Stay alert in social settings, especially in crowded places or unfamiliar environments.

This cycle of using drugs or alcohol to cope often exacerbates feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. Be prepared to provide emotional support even after they’re discharged and the side effects of being roofied start. Remind them that the traumatic event wasn’t their fault, especially if they were sexually assaulted or raped. The effects of a roofie can last for several hours, during which the individual may experience memory loss and be vulnerable to dangerous situations. If you believe someone has been drugged, it’s important to preserve any potential evidence. Keep the drink they were consuming, if possible, as it can be tested for the presence of drugs.

Be sure to mention the possibility of drugging so that medical professionals can provide appropriate care. Timely medical intervention is crucial to mitigate the effects of the drug and ensure the person’s safety. If you suspect you’ve been drugged, seek immediate medical care, contact a trusted friend, and ensure your safety.

By staying informed and taking these precautions, you can reduce your risk of being roofied and help prevent sexual assault. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and help is always available if you or someone you know has been affected by roofies or sexual violence. Since many date-rape drugs leave the body quickly — within 12 to 72 hours — it’s important to act fast. Seek care in the emergency room, preferably one that has sexual assault nurse examiners to conduct a medical forensic examination, Riviello said. The mental and physical health consequences of being roofied can be serious. By taking the above preventative measures and knowing the signs, you can better protect yourself.

It’s not uncommon for survivors to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can make it difficult to engage in everyday activities or trust others. Common roofied symptoms include memory loss, slurred speech, loss of muscle control, confusion, dizziness, and sometimes loss of consciousness. If you notice someone exhibiting these signs, particularly if the onset is sudden and unexplained, it’s crucial to get them to a safe place and seek medical care right away. Avoid leaving the person alone and contact emergency services if necessary.