Date Rape Drug?

 The "date rape" drug you have probably heard about in the news lately is Rohypnol, or "Roofies" as it being is called on the street. It is also called "ruffies", "roche", "R-2", "rib" and "rope".

Rohypnol is a brand name for flunitrazepam, a very potent tranquilizer which is similar to a very powerful form of valium. The drug produces a sedative effect, amnesia, muscle relaxation, and a slowing of psychomotor responses. You will feel the effects 20-30 minutes after it’s given to you and the effects last for several hours. The illicit use of Rohypnol was originally reported in Europe in the late 1970's and it's use has spread to every state in the nation where there have been thousands of cases reported.

Since about only one in 10 forcible rapes are even reported, it is certain that there are many thousands more cases which are not reported, especially since many of the victims are unsure of what exactly happened.  I have been contacted by women who were unsure of their situation when it happened, but now are certain they were victims of rape while under the influence of this drug.  One is sure her now ex-husband had drugged her this way while they were married.  Unfortunately, this same women had contacted me because she was suspicious her ex-husband was continuing this same M.O. with other women in town.

Rohypnol is now being reported as being one of the "in" drugs on high school and college campuses and particularly in college fraternities. And to make matters worse, "Roofies" are inexpensive and reportedly being sold for as little as $2.00-$4.00 per tablet in several locations.

In a recent celebrated case in California, a very wealthy bachelor has apparently used some form of this drug to incapacitate women, whom he then raped repeatedly in front of his home video equipment.   Police have confiscated almost 200 of these homemade videos. 

The drug is easily added to punch bowls and drinks. I used to think it was somewhat paranoid to have to watch your drink when at a bar, but if I was a woman, I would not accept drinks from strangers, nor would I partake of the punch bowl at a high school or college fraternity party.