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VIP: Survivor Support
The University of Mississippi

Predatory Drugs

Alcohol

While you are protecting your drink against tampering, be aware that your drink itself may also be cause for concern. ALCOHOL IS STILL THE RAPIST’S NO. 1 DRUG OF CHOICE. Sexual contact with someone who is impaired by alcohol and/or drugs and, therefore, unable to consent, is rape.

GHB/Liquid X

If you believe someone has been dosed with GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), get him or her to a hospital immediately! This drug can lead to death.

Symptoms

  • Dissociative anesthetic: Victim is unconscious, drug represses respiratory system
  • Out-of-body experience
  • Sexually oriented behavior:
    • Victim embarrassed — “all over the guy”
    • Uninhibited
  • Aggression and violence in some individuals (the mean drunk types)
  • No gag reflex
  • Vomiting (projectile) — classic symptom — may not feel any sensation of being ill
  • Seizures — victims may think they are just “nodding off.”
  • Periods of amnesia – cameo effect
  • Detectable in the blood for 4 hours, urine for 12; will also be in vomit
  • Rapidly absorbed — peak 20-60 minutes
  • Low respiration and heart rate
  • No antidote, through system in 4 hours
  • Frothing blood — pulmonary edema
  • Nosebleed occurs with high dose

Facts

  • This drug kills people:
    • When victims are on GHB, they have no gag reflex, so they can choke and drown on their own vomit. Or they may forget to breathe.
    • There is no antidote for GHB; all that can be done is to put the victim on life support.
  • Recreational dose – 1/2 oz.= soda pop cap; 1-2 oz. is a controlling dose
  • Manufactured by individuals – can get the ingredients at any local store
    • Hardest drug to test but easiest to get
    • Biggest problem with GHB – your body produces it naturally; however, your body doesn’t crave it
  • Colorless; odor is nondescript but has a slightly salty taste
    • Most popular drinks to mix it in: Long Island Iced Tea, Goldschlager, margaritas or any drink the perpetrator finds that you are unfamiliar with
  • Comes in liquid form (occasionally found in powder form)
  • It takes approximately 5-7 minutes to take full effect.
  • When GHB is added to alcohol, it doubles the effects of both drugs.
  • Often referred to as the “Hollywood Drug,” liquid ecstasy or easy lay
  • Sold legally as Revivarant, Renewtrient, Revitalize Plus, Serenity, Enliven, Thunder Nectar, Invigorate, weight belt cleaner

Rohypnol/Roofies

Symptoms

  • Takes about 15-20 minutes to take full effect
  • Effects last 8-12 hours
  • Central nervous system depressant
  • Under the influence of roofies, victim will be in a walking alcoholic blackout
    • Brain’s “videotape” shuts off.
    • “Cameo” effect
  • Roofies only last in victim’s blood for 4 hours but can be tested in urine up to 96 hours
  • Victim has a moment of recognition: “I feel funny,” but then loses all inhibition
  • Usually no vomiting but will feel woozy
    • Victim will feel very groggy up to 3 days after the first use of roofies.

Facts

  • Odorless, tasteless and colorless (new form tinged blue, although may be masked in darker drinks)
    • Dissolves in liquids
  • Used in other countries to treat sleep disorders and in surgeries where surgeon wants patient to be awake – doesn’t block pain. but patient won’t remember it anyway.
    • A manufactured drug – Hoffman & LaRoche Co. Europe
    • Considered a schedule 1 narcotic in the United States
  • Roofies cost about $5 a pill.
  • Must specifically test for roofies; will not show up in a standard toxicology test (urine can be tested up to 96 hours)
  • Users build up tolerance and addiction very quickly
    • Also used by heroin addicts because it has similar effects and is much cheaper

MDMA/Ecstasy

  • Heightens senses
  • High energy – everyone is your friend
  • Muscle rigidity/spasms
  • Increases body core temperature
  • Grinding of teeth
  • Stimulant and mind expander
  • Aka Ecstasy, X, Hug Drug
  • May mix with LSD or ketamine

Ketamine/Special K

  • Ketamine is legal in the United States for use as a veterinary anesthetic.
  • In humans, it produces a dissociative effect similar to PCP.
  • Can be in liquid form but most commonly dried, ground and inhaled
  • A victim who ingests ketamine will have hallucinations and feel separated from his or her body.
  • Amnesia and dreamlike memories make it difficult for a victim to remember.
  • Special K has been associated with rape across the country and world, much in the same way roofies have been.
  • As with all drugs and alcohol, victims on Special K are never capable of sexual consent, no matter how clear-headed they appear.