Predatory Drugs

Also sometimes known as “date rape drugs” or “club drugs”, predatory drugs are dangerous. They are called predatory drugs because they may be used to facilitate a sexual assault.
While they may be used to prey on unsuspecting victims, many people fall victim to their dangers by using them intentionally (for recreational purposes). The Drug Enforcement Administration sums up some of the dangers of predatory drugs by explaining how they can aid perpetrators in committing a sexual assault:

• These drugs render the victim incapable of resisting sexual advances.
  
• Sexual assaults facilitated by these drugs can be difficult to prosecute or even recognize because victims may not be aware that they ingested a drug at all.
  
• Due to memory problems induced by these drugs, the victim may not be aware of the attack until 8-12 hours after it occurred.
  
• The drugs are metabolized quickly, so there may be little physical evidence to support the claim that the drugs were used to facilitate an assault.
  
• Memory impairment caused by the drugs also eliminates evidence about the attack.
  

Drugs such as MDMA (Ecstasy), GHB, and several prescription drugs like Xanax and Valium may also be used intentionally (recreationally). This poses additional threats. Some of these drugs are addictive, users are still vulnerable to abusers while under the influence, and many of the drugs have the potential to cause serious impairment, health problems, and even death. Unfortunately, some of these drugs are thought to be harmless. Nothing could be further from the truth.

GHB, GBL, BD, and GVL

Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an illegal chemical. Some people say it’s a sleep aid or has other health benefits but that’s not true. GHB simply served as an alternative to anabolic steroids when steroids were being controlled.

GHB is illegal, but analogs are unfortunately all too easy to acquire. Gamma butyrolactone (GBL), 1,4 butanediol (BD), and gamma hydroxyvalerate (GVL) are all still easily obtained by predators and have the same effects as GHB.

These substances produce a high or euphoric feeling in low doses, but the depressant effect can easily turn into seizure-like movements and coma. GHB has a salty taste but can easily be disguised and go unnoticed in sodas, fruity, carbonated, or very cold drinks.

Other Rape Facilitating Drugs

Rohypnol and Ketamine are also considered rape-facilitating drugs. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic. This means that if you take it or someone gives it to you, you will look like you’re wake, but you will not feel much of anything, you won’t be able to resist an assault, and you may not remember what happened. Rohypnol (“roofies”) are pills that are prescribed in Mexico for sleep disorders. They are not legal in this country. Rohypnol has a dye added so it is supposed to show up if dissolved in a drink. It causes drowsiness and amnesia, which is why it is used as a rape facilitating drug.

Club Drugs

MDMA (Ecstasy) is not usually seen as a “date rape” or rape facilitating drug. Most people think it is used recreationally, especially at parties or “raves”. While this can be true, ecstasy use makes a woman more vulnerable to sexual assault, whether she takes it herself or is unknowingly given the drug.

Ecstasy lowers inhibitions and increases the desire to touch or be touched. Alone or combined
with alcohol, this can be a safety risk.

Benzodiazepines

Many women believe that they are safe from being dosed by a drug because their male friends don’t seem the type to buy illegal drugs. But consider this: how many young men could simply find a medicine cabinet that has a prescription for Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Halcion, or some similar drug? These drugs are depressants and are frequently prescribed for either sleep disorders or anxiety. A sexual predator who has access to these drugs might get good grades, have a job, have many friends, be attractive and outgoing, and might seem sincere and understanding.

Alcohol

Alcohol is still the most prevalent rape facilitating drug. Many people don’t realize the dangers of alcohol because it is not illegal for adults, and is most often considered socially acceptable.

It can be hard to convince young women that they don’t need to be completely “drunk” to be vulnerable. Imagine how you look when you approach your car after dark. You’re alert, with your keys ready, scanning the area for anything suspicious. Now imagine how different you appear after just one or two drinks. The first effect alcohol has is to impair judgment and cognition. This makes us vulnerable to those who might try to get us to drink more, or covertly give us other drugs.

How do you stay safe?

Remember, there is no one perfect way to stay safe. It is a combination of many factors. The following is a list of some important safety habits:

• Any time you drink alcohol or are at a bar or party where alcohol is served, your risk of being a victim is greater. Plan accordingly.
  
• Don’t put your safety in the hands of some coaster or other gadget that promises to detect a drug. These don’t always work as promised, won’t work at all with some drugs or drinks, and neglect to remind you that alcohol is the most common rape-facilitating drug.
  
• Don’t ever let a friend leave a social gathering with someone unplanned. Make a pact to stick together: arrive together, leave together.
• If you or a friend show signs of being drugged, go immediately to a hospital. Don’t ever drop a friend off at home to “sleep it off”. This is very dangerous and can result in death.
  
• Signs of intoxication may include looking drunk when no alcohol has been consumed, or appearing “too” drunk for the amount consumed. Sometimes, though, there are no visible clues, so stick together!