Pubdate: Sat, 11 Oct 2003
Source: Northern Daily News (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003, Osprey Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.northernnews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2315
Author: Treena Schram

REMAIN INFORMED, PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST DATE RAPE

The "date rape" drug is the common name for Rohypnol. It has physiological 
effects similar to Valium (diaxaepam), but is approximately ten times more 
potent. It is used also as an illicit drug, often in combination with other 
drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and alcohol. Common names for Rohypnol 
include: rophies, roofies, R2, roofenol, Roche, roachies, and la rocha.

Rohypnol tablets are white, scored on one side, with the word "ROCHE" and 
an encircled one or two (depending on the dosage) on the other. They are 
solid and distributed in pre-sealed bubble packs of one or two mg doses. 
Rohypnol can often be dissolved in a drink and is undetectable.

The most common pattern of rohypnol use is by teenagers and young adults as 
an alcohol extender in an attempt to create a dramatic "high." It is often 
taken in combination with beer, or as a drug to incapacitate a victim 
before a sexual assault. Rohypnol intoxication is generally associated with 
impaired judgement and motor skills, and can make a victim unable to resist 
a sexual attack.

Effects begin within 10 to 30 minutes, peak within 2 hours, and can persist 
for up to 8 hours. It is commonly reported that persons who become 
intoxicated on a combination of alcohol and Rohypnol have "blackouts" 
lasting 8 to 24 hours following ingestion.

Rohypnol in association with date rape has also been called the "Forget 
Pill," "Trip and Fall," and "Mind Erasers." In combination with alcohol, it 
can induce a blackout with memory loss and decrease a women's ability to 
resist an attack. Girls and women have reported being raped after being 
involuntarily sedated with Rohypnol, which was slipped into their drink by 
an attacker. Within 10 to 30 minutes after ingesting the drug, the woman 
may feel dizzy and disoriented, simultaneously too hot or too cold, or 
nauseated. She may experience difficulty speaking and moving, and then pass 
out. Such victims have no memory of what happened while under the drug's 
influence.

The best protection against unknowing ingestion of rohypnol is to remain 
aware and alert. Here are a few suggestions:

* Accept drinks only from the bar staff. Do not accept drinks form anyone 
you don't know well or long enough to trust. If you do accept a drink, make 
sure it's from an unopened container that you open yourself.

* Don't leave your drink unattended.

* Notify other women you know about the effects of this dangerous drug.

* If you think that you have been a victim, notify the authorities immediately.

For further information about rohypnol and other rape drugs, please contact 
the Pavilion Family Resource Centre at 567-1777.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens