When CNS depressants like Rohypnol, GHB, or Ketamine are ingested, they disrupt normal brain activity, causing significant impairments. These drugs can induce drowsiness, relaxation of muscles, and a state of disorientation, making it difficult for the victim to function normally or even remember what happened. In a study of college students, more than 1 in 13 reported being drugged. Also, try to save the beverage you were drinking; it could potentially be tested to see what you were drugged with. With that in mind, HuffPost asked experts like Michonski to describe some of the most common signs that someone has been nonconsensually drugged.

How common are date rape drugs?

Because drugs can impact a person’s sense of reality, they also cause confusion and create paranoia as the person’s mind tries to adapt to the circumstances. Blurred sight, tunnel vision, or double vision are all common symptoms of being roofied. Date rape drugs can interrupt the process of forming memories and diminish or eliminate the conscious recollection of events that take place while the drug is in effect. The first signs of being roofied include dizziness, disorientation, and difficulty concentrating, which develop into an intense brain fog. Find a brighter tomorrow by starting with our compassionate team of medical professionals and recovery specialists today.

Depending on your state of residence, there may be multiple resources you can explore to obtain the support and direction you need after experiencing sexual assault of any kind. They will come to investigate while ensuring you get the medical care you need. Date rape drugs like Rohypnol or ketamine are often colorless and tasteless.

If you were at a bar, club, or public event, the police may be able to check the video footage to try to identify the perpetrator. Even when people have no recollection of what happened while they were drugged, they may feel a sense of wrongness after they regain consciousness. In severe cases, people may experience symptoms that are similar to post-traumatic stress disorder, have difficulty at work and school, and struggle to create and maintain healthy relationships. Victims may experience headaches, muscle aches, sensitivity to light, and an upset stomach. Survivors who were raped or assaulted may feel sore or experience a sense that they have had sexual intercourse. Through education, support, and the promotion of safe spaces, we can make a significant impact in preventing instances of being roofied.

Levels of Care

Yes, many insurance plans provide coverage for addiction and mental health treatment, including services related to substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health conditions. The extent of coverage can vary depending on the specific insurance plan, the type of treatment needed, and any applicable state or federal regulations. Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is a prescription benzodiazepine—a type of tranquilizer with sedative and hypnotic properties that can induce amnesia and loss of consciousness when taken with alcohol.

• It’s unsettling to think about, but recognizing the common signs that indicate you were roofied is crucial.
• It is also important to seek medical help, especially since you don’t know what you have been given and how your body may react to it.
• Rohypnol is easily dissolved and known for being undetectable in drinks, but newer versions of the drug can leave a bluish tint in light-colored drinks.
• If you feel comfortable, consider contacting a professional for further support.
• Because being roofied is a serious concern, it’s important to understand exactly what it means.

It is also important to go out with people you trust and ensure everyone looks out for each other. In high doses, a person can become unconscious and may not remember what happened to them. The attacker may also use force, threats, or take advantage of the victim’s impaired state to commit the assault. We do not receive any fee or commission dependent upon which treatment or provider a caller chooses. Calls to numbers marked with (I) symbols will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed in our Terms and Conditions, each of which is a paid advertiser. If there are any concerns about content we have published, please reach out to us at

The risk of being roofied is particularly high in environments where individuals are in social settings that involve the consumption of beverages, especially alcoholic ones. These settings include bars, nightclubs, parties, concerts, and even private gatherings where there is easy access to one’s drinks. The chaotic and often crowded nature of these environments makes it easier for perpetrators to discreetly add substances to someone’s drink without being noticed. The effects of what is being roofied mean a roofie can last for several hours, during which the individual may experience memory loss and be vulnerable to dangerous situations. The individual may not remember events that occurred after ingesting the drug, or they may have gaps in their memory. They might wake up feeling disoriented and unable to recall how they got to a particular location or what happened during a period of time.

Watch Your Drinks

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. Ingestion of these substances without consent can lead to serious consequences, including loss of consciousness and potential sexual violence. These tests are not only crucial for medical treatment but also serve as vital evidence should the victim decide to press charges. This can be done through therapy, support groups, and other mental health treatments. Keep in mind that the information provided here is general, and individual experiences may vary. Additionally, the discussion below focuses on the potential effects of flunitrazepam, the active ingredient in Rohypnol.

Common Slang Names for Cocaine

Some of the residual effects, such as memory loss and confusion, can last 12 hours or more after administration. Roofies have become so synonymous with rape that the act of drugging someone’s drink with any substance is collectively called “roofying”. Other substances that are often used in date rape offenses include Ketamine (K, Special K) and Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) as they have similar effects to roofies. They are also undetectable, having no smell, color, or taste when dissolved in liquid.

We provide comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment, including therapy, counseling, and support groups, to help survivors heal and regain control of their lives. The duration of the drug’s effects can vary based on the dosage and the particular drug used. Generally, the effects of GHB and Rohypnol can last from two to eight hours, while the effects of Ketamine can last for one to two hours. However, the sedative effects may linger longer in the body, depending on the individual’s metabolism and overall health. During this time, the victim may be completely incapacitated and vulnerable.

Spiking a drink, like any other form of abuse, is about asserting power and control over another person. That means that however it happened, you can expect to feel a wide range of complicated emotions. By staying aware of your surroundings and understanding the effects these drugs can have, you can help keep yourself and the people around you safe.

If you suspect you’ve been roofied, alert someone nearby, get to a safe location, seek medical assistance, and preserve any potential evidence. It’s also helpful to reach out to professionals for emotional and mental health support afterward. Consider reaching out to a trusted friend, healthcare provider, or counselor for support. If there’s any chance you were assaulted, you can contact local resources for help, including sexual assault hotlines or medical professionals. Yes, you can undergo drug testing to detect the presence of substances in your system if you suspect you’ve been roofied.

• Some of these drugs can be fatal in high doses — especially when combined with alcohol, prescription medications and other substances.
• Date rape drugs like Rohypnol or ketamine are often colorless and tasteless.
• However, with roofies, a person might have nausea and vomiting even if they have only had one or two drinks.
• Another sign to look out for is behavior that is completely out of character for the individual.

What Are the Best Practices for Trauma Treatment?

Detecting the common signs of being roofied can be confusing, especially if you’ve been drinking. Seek immediate medical help, stay with the person, preserve any potential evidence, and report the incident to law enforcement. Signs of being roofied include sudden confusion, uncharacteristic behavior, memory lapses, and physical symptoms such as nausea, slurred speech, or difficulty breathing. We have certified counselors and medical professionals available to guide you toward healing and reclaiming your strength. Repeated exposure or self-medication with drugs and alcohol necessitates professional addiction treatment and detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms and begin recovery. Following these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of being roofied and ensure a safer social environment for yourself and your friends.

Our compassionate team offers comprehensive recovery programs designed to support individuals through every step of their recovery journey. Contact No Matter What Recovery today to find out more about our services and how we can assist you or your loved ones in achieving lasting recovery, no matter what. Drugs used to roofie individuals, such as Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine, work primarily by depressing the central nervous system. These substances interact with neurotransmitter receptors in the brain to inhibit neuronal activity. For example, Rohypnol acts on the GABA receptors, enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Sadly, owing to the rapid nature of roofies affecting the victim and their sedative properties, many people do not realize they have been drugged until it is too late. As roofies cause gaps in memory, it is often difficult to recognize if you have been a victim the following day. You can take your freedom back by responding on your terms, on your timeline and in your way. Whatever you choose to do is the right thing — and it’s OK for that “right thing” to change over time. Just remember that there are a lot of other people out there who’ve been through the same thing and are happy to help.

Roofying someone without their consent is a criminal offense and can result in serious legal consequences, including charges of drug-facilitated sexual assault, assault, or other related offenses. Perpetrators may face criminal prosecution, imprisonment, and other penalties if found guilty of drugging someone without their knowledge or consent. Some companies offer devices that let you test your drink for date rape drugs, but the best defense against being roofied is being cautious and using common sense. Take small sips of your drink, consume it slowly, and stop drinking it right away if it tastes or looks unusual.

Immediate Actions to Take

Once you have all the information you need, you can make an informed decision about your next steps. In the United States, for example, flunitrazepam is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it has a recognized medical use but also has the potential for abuse. Possession, distribution, or use of Rohypnol without a valid prescription is illegal.. If you are enjoying a night out, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. These signs may indicate that you or someone around you has been roofied. Some people who have been roofied experience drowsiness and confusion long after they regain consciousness.