Eastern Washington University recently sent a warning to students and staff about “date rape drugs” after two students were potentially involved in incidents. These drugs, which we call “sexual assault drugs,” are used to sedate or confuse a person so that they cannot defend themselves against unwanted sexual contact. We’re breaking down what sexual assault drugs are, how to prevent being drugged, and what to do if you think someone has been drugged.
What are Sexual Assault Drugs?
The most common drug involved in sexual assault crimes is alcohol, which is often used alone or in combination with other drugs. Other common sexual assault drugs include Rohypnol (a benzodiazepine commonly called “roofies”), GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid), GBL (gamma-butyrolactone), ketamine, over-the-counter sleep aids (diphenhydramine, etc.), cannabis, benzodiazepines, and other prescription medications.
These drugs are typically added to drinks or food, making them hard to see, smell, or taste. Many sexual assault drugs are “depressants,” which slow down brain and body activity. Symptoms of being drugged can include:
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Confusion or trouble thinking clearly
- Difficulty moving
- Passing out
- Slowed or decreased breathing
All of these symptoms can make it harder for a person to physically defend themselves, make decisions, and/or remember what happened. Someone who is drunk, drugged, or high on drugs cannot give consent. Any sexual contact without consent is sexual assault.
How to prevent drug poisoning
There aren’t reliable tests to detect if your drink has been spiked with sexual assault drugs. The best way to prevent poisoning is by protecting your drinks. Here’s how:
- Never leave your drink unattended: Keep it with you, even when you step away, dance, go to the bathroom, etc.
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers: Stick to drinks from people you trust or ones you get/make yourself.
- Watch your drink being made: If you’re at a bar or party, make sure you see your drink being poured, or choose a sealed bottle or can.
- Avoid shared containers: Stay away from punch bowls or communal drinks.
- Stay with a group: If you’re going to a party or a bar, go with a group of friends and check in with each other regularly.
- Trust your instincts: If you feel strange or more intoxicated than expected, get help right away from friends or call 911.
Look out for each other! Taking care of your friends can help prevent dangerous situations:
- Carry naloxone: This medication can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life.
- Know the Good Samaritan Law: In Washington, you won’t get in trouble for seeking medical help after someone drinks or uses drugs.
- Get help if your friend seems off: If your friend isn’t acting normally or seems more intoxicated than they should be, call 911 or go to an emergency room. Tell the doctor or nurse what happened so that they can test for different drugs.
- Speak up: If you see or think a drug poisoning is happening, alert the bartender, security, or your campus’s safety/security resource.
If you think you or a friend may have been drugged and sexually assaulted, get medical help right away. Call 911, have a friend take you to a hospital emergency room, or go to your campus health clinic as soon as you can. Time is critical with sexual assault drugs as some drugs leave the body quickly, making them harder to detect. Try not to urinate, shower, change your clothes, brush your teeth, or wash your hands before you go. Medical staff will collect evidence from your body and will help you understand what happened. Remember, you are not required to talk to law enforcement unless you choose to, and hospitals or clinics won’t report the assault without your consent unless you’re under 18.
We’re here to help
Poisoning with sexual assault drugs can be scary and overwhelming. You can always call us at 1-800-222-1222, and we will help you decide what to do next. Our staff of nurses, pharmacists, and doctors are always here for you, 24/7/365.
Resources:
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). You can also chat online in English or Spanish with a trained hotline specialist on the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Office on Women’s Health: Date Rape Drugs