New Drug Added to Predator List

Long gone are the days when one could party worry free. It seems like today, everyone worries about date rape. Some Plymouth State students believe that date rape drugs aren’t spread around this campus, but they are, although numbers cannot accurately be measured. By now, most people know that a drug is considered a date rape, or “club drug” if it alters the way you act, makes you sleepy, or increases the effects of alcohol. Many of these drugs are odorless, colorless, and tasteless. So what can be done besides live in fear, and question the intentions of every new person that you meet? Freaking out and over reacting to strangers will drive any woman crazy, but being educated on what you’re up against is the best defense against predatory drugs you can get. The most common date rape drug is one most people don’t even consider- alcohol. Buying a woman strong drink is one of the most common ways to get her to leave with a stranger. Party drinking games like funneling, keg stands, and playing cards are all easy and fast ways to get drunk. In this case, predators don’t even have to add anything to your drink, they can simply wait until your own alcohol takes affect. Another common date rape drug is Rohypnol (brand name flunitrazepam). This pill is also known as “roofies,” Generally sold in tablet form, they commonly have “ROCHE” stamped on them, with either a circled number one or two. The other side usually has a single line stamped across the middle. Rohypnols effects begin within 30 minutes, peak after about two hours, and came last for eight more hours. Depending on dosage, the drug can cause drowsiness, amnesia, visual impairment, impaired judgment skills, and confusion. All traces of the drug are typically gone from your system in seventy-two hours. GHB is commonly known as “Easy Lay,” “G,” or “Liquid G.” It is a powder in its pure form, but is more commonly seen as a liquid, which is sold in small bottles, about the size of a hotel shampoo sample. Effects of this drug can be felt within fifteen minutes of ingestion. In small amounts, it produces results similar to alcohol, but in large doses it can cause drowsiness, headaches, vomiting, and, in extreme cases, unconsciousness. Another common club drug is ecstasy, commonly known as “e,” “rave,” “rolls” or “club drug.” This drug can give misleading desires to touch others, which is why it has the reputation as a date rape drug. It can cause depression, anxiety, and confusion. The effects of ecstasy can be felt within 30 minutes, and can last for up to eight hours. A recent addition to the predatory drug list is Ketamine, commonly known as “Special K” or “Vitamin K.” Ketamine is a liquid in its pharmaceutical form, but is more commonly found as a powder or pill, which is snorted, swallowed or injected. Ketamine is a strong sedative, as it is usually used on animals. It commonly makes people feel as if their mind and body are no longer one. It commonly causes amnesia and hallucination, as well as reduces pain. One of its many dangers is that it slows the heart rate, leading to a decrease in the amount of blood supply in the brain, which can lead to brain damage and produce stroke-like symptoms. Recently, makers of Rohypnol have decided to make the drug easier to detect, reports the Educational Development Center. In light colored drinks like beer, Rohypnol will turn the drink bright blue. The powder no longer dissolves completely- it leaves chunks in the liquid. In dark beverages, the powder will make the liquid cloudy. It is important to remember that it takes a long time for a newly produced drug to hit the streets, and there are unauthentic forms of the drug as well. There are many ways to avoid potentially dangerous situations without hiding under the bedcovers every Friday night. Keep in mind that there are some patterns that predators share. According to the NCWSV, most rape incidents take place between midnight and 6 a.m. The same survey says that about 60 percent of on-campus rapes take place at the victim’s residence. This means that many victims may be consenting at first, or at least feel comfortable to allow the predator into their apartment or dorm. This means that predators may not really be predators, but friends. It is important to use instinct, or “womanly intuition” when dealing with acquaintances and strangers at a party. If you get a bad feeling about someone, don’t ignore it. If you hear someone joking about date rape drugs, pay attention. Spring Fling should be all about fun, just remember to be safe and use your head.