Date Rape Drugs
What you need to know to stay safe.
January 24th, 2005
By Sal Roach
While there are times when we often take a sarcastic tone when dealing with
health care issues at eCureMe, this one is perhaps one of the most serious
and disturbing issues we have ever dealt with.
Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate (GHB) and Ketamine Hydrochloride (Special K) are now
the #1 tools used by would be sexual offenders when stalking for their
victims.
The most widely used of these drugs is GHB, mainly because it is odorless and
colorless and mixes without a trace in drinks. Often times, a victim may take
it willingly, not knowing the affects.
How does it work? These drugs usually affect the central nervous system and
cause a secession of resistance and an inability to say no. It is the reason
women are no longer going out by themselves and men need to be watched even
closer.
What is even more shocking is that the number of cases reported are minimal and,
even worse, it is very hard to show in court because all traces of these drugs
leave the body within 72 hours of digestion.
After taking them, the victim is rendered semi-unconscious and, for the most
part, cannot remember a thing, so giving a clear description of where they
were or who they were with is extremely difficult.
Also, there is no sign of forced sexual activity, because for the most part,
these drugs make the victims extremely amorous and create an extreme feeling
of sexual desire and want. The attacker does not need to force a thing,
only to wait until the drug takes hold.
Sounds like an old anti-drug video from grade school, but it’s true.
So, when your girlfriend his having a drink with a guy at a bar, keep an eye
on her glass while she is talking. Also, you shouldn’t leave your drink
unattended at the bar. If you need to go to the bathroom or outside for a
smoke, take it with you or have one of your friends hold it.
It is a sad state of things to be sure, but it is a reality, so we must act.
Still, victims of this are just that. Victims. Even if you can’t
remember what happened, if you engaged in a sexual action because of the result
of someone drugging you, you have been raped in the eyes of the law, and it
should be reported.
So how do you know if it happened or you can’t remember? The next day
you might have a flashback or feel extremely weak in the body because of the
effects of the drug. If you are feeling more hung over than usual or start to
have vivid dreams about an attack, it may have happened to you.
If you have even the slightest suspicion of this happening, you should go to a
hospital or clinic to test yourself immediately, as the evidence of the drugs
leaves the body quickly. Don’t take chances with this.
For parents, it is important to speak with their children about such things as
the partying season for high schools starts to get underway. Open punch bowls
or drinks in plastic cups are a big target area for sexual predators and easy
vehicle to mix the substances.
If you’re sending your young ones off to college, make sure you have them
read this article. The world is getting to be even more dangerous. It is
important that you know the tools of those who are trying to hurt you. Stay in
large groups and don’t take things from strangers.
Everything mom used to tell you is true.
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