Alcohol has been the "date rape drug" of choice for years. Now there are some "new" drugs on the market, which are being used for date rape. These drugs are Rohypnol, and GHB, or gamma hydroxybutyrate. They're used to "spike" unsuspecting victim's drinks. This can be easily done because these drugs have no odor, color or taste when put into a drink. These drugs are being increasingly used by youth in many cases as a date rape drug because of its ability to affect willpower. A 2mg dose of these drugs in one beer can put a person flat on their back, awakening with no memories of what happened them.
Alcohol is a depressant drug; it slows the activity of the brain and the spinal cord. Beer, ale, wine, and hard liquor contain varying percentages of alcohol. One average drink equals one 12oz. can of beer, 5oz. of wine, or 1.5oz. of 80 proof whiskey. It takes at least one hour to sober up from each average drink consumed. As alcohol enters the blood stream it knocks out the control centers of the brain, resulting in intoxication. The stages of intoxication range from "happy" to "confused" to "comatose". Poor judgement and loss of control over ones actions are the results of one's intoxication. A person in a state of intoxication is more vulnerable to being raped. Alcohol poisoning and even death can occur. Now imagine all these effects with the addition of Rohypnol and GHB added to the mix (scary huh?).
Rohypnol is the brand name for a drug called Flunitrazepam, which is a sedative that is about 10 times more powerful than valium. In other words, it completely knocks you out. After ingested, the drug only takes 10 minutes for the person to feel its effects and they can last for about 8 hours. Rohypnol greatly reduces a person's inhibitions. It also causes nausea, hot and cold flashes, dizziness, and disorientation. The person may not be able to talk or move and will eventually pass out with no memory of what happened. Sometimes people under the