Recognizing the Symptoms of Being Roofied

When combined with alcohol or other sedatives, these effects are amplified, increasing the risk of overdose and death. If you think you may have been roofied, it is best to get medical attention as soon as you can to make sure you are okay and to get tests as soon as possible. It does this by increasing the effects of a chemical called GABA, which makes you feel very relaxed and sleepy. It is also important to seek medical help, especially since you don’t know what you have been given and how your body may react roofie symptoms day after to it. Roofies usually don’t have a taste, which can make it difficult to tell if a drug may have slipped into your drink. It is also important to note that a substance can be slipped into a drink almost instantly, especially if it is in powder form.

Plenty of victims forget what happened during the events from the moment they got roofied up until they wake up, primarily when they ingest larger doses of the date rape drug. That’s why most victims find it hard to testify for sexual assault and pinpoint the perpetrator since the drug can easily cause total amnesia when under the influence. Drinking with friends is a way to unwind from stress for many people, but getting intoxicated shouldn’t make you feel a sense of overwhelming muscle relaxation. Once you notice it’s getting harder to control your body, it could reveal that someone has laced your drink with a date rape drug. Spending the night out with girlfriends often starts with a bang—from the thrilling ritual of getting ready to finally let loose along the neon-clad streets lined with bars and clubs.

What Does Roofied Mean Sexually?

Some side effects can be long-lasting, depending on how much of the drug you ingested and how your body reacts to it. If you have not taken anything that may enhance the effect of the alcohol then you should be concerned. There are other things that can affect how “drunk” you feel like whether you are taking any prescription medication or if you have not eaten.

Rohypnol, or Flunitrazepam, is a central nervous system depressant that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. If you suspect that you or a friend have been dosed with a date rape drug, it’s critical that you don’t attempt to drive. It’s equally dangerous to leave your location on foot or via public transportation. Some drugs used to spike drinks leave your system quickly, while others can linger for 12 hours or more. By staying aware of your surroundings and understanding the effects these drugs can have, you can help keep yourself and the people around you safe.

Roofied Symptoms and After Effects

When you wake up you often have no recollection of the night before. You will likely still feel an element of confusion before the drugs wear completely off. Confusion about the events of the time prior to waking up usually continues well beyond what you would expect. You may remember bits and pieces of what happened almost like a dream like state. Seeking help from mental health professionals is crucial for processing the trauma and reducing symptoms of PTSD.

Most of these drugs are understandably illegal in the United States and couldn’t be easily procured in the market. Yes, date drugs like Rohypnol and GHB can cause short-term memory loss, so a person may not remember things that happened during the time that they were unknowingly under the influence. Get help from a trusted friend, and make sure you allow your body and mind to recover. It is also critical that you seek out therapy and other mental health services to help you to process the trauma of what has happened to you. It is also a term to refer to substances that are slipped into people’s drinks without them knowing. It might be unpleasant — especially if you’re nauseated — but it’s crucial to drink lots of water if you’ve been roofied.

• You may remember bits and pieces of what happened almost like a dream like state.
• These substances are particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol, increasing the risk of overdose, unconsciousness, and assault.
• Rohypnols, also known as “roofies,” are powerful sedatives that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.
• If you suspect someone has been roofied or given a date rape drug, there are a few critical steps you can take to ensure their safety and well-being.
• While roofies are not approved for medical use in America, manufacturers still produce Rohypnol.

Don’t leave the location unless you’re in imminent danger

• Remember the three women in California in May this year, who spotted a man slipping something suspicious into what-looked-like his date’s drink while she was in the bathroom?
• A roofied drink occurs when a drug has been slipped into a person’s drink without them knowing it.
• Awareness and prompt action can significantly mitigate the physical and psychological impact of such a violation.
• Spending the night out with girlfriends often starts with a bang—from the thrilling ritual of getting ready to finally let loose along the neon-clad streets lined with bars and clubs.
• They may suddenly feel more amorous and sexual and respond emotionally to others in ways that are not characteristic of them.
• However, roofies are just one type of the many drug used to perpetrate sexual crimes, such as date rape.

Unfortunately, these drugs can result in permanent cognitive impairment in some cases, particularly if seizures occur. However, it’s more common for victims to experience psychological issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. This can lead to struggling with work and school obligations, an inability to form and maintain positive relationships and using drugs and/or alcohol to self-medicate.

The Signs of Being ‘Roofied’ That Everyone Should Know

However, you can be roofied through substances such as marijuana and cocaine. Over-the-counter or prescription sleeping medicines and antidepressants are also effective roofie drugs. Predators spike drinks to lower their victims’ defenses or cause them to fall unconscious. Once their victim is defenseless, they can rob or physically or sexually assault them. The average predator may wait until you’re distracted to put drugs into your glass. Someone more experienced can use a sleight of hand to spike your drink, so you may not even notice that your drink is drugged until it’s too late.

In a study of college students, more than 1 in 13 reported being drugged. These drugs act quickly and are often colorless, tasteless, and odorless, making them difficult to detect. We always hear the old proverb, «prevention is better than cure.» The truth is this is the best protection you can have to avoid this problem. However, this is not a reliable way to tell whether your drink has spiked. Anyone can be vulnerable to roofies, no matter their gender, size, or alcohol tolerance.

In high doses, a person can become unconscious and may not remember what happened to them. Instead, try to stay in a public place while you wait for the ambulance to arrive. If you’re with friends, alert them so they can keep an eye on you and intervene if necessary. Access State-Specific Provider Directories for detailed information on locating licensed service providers and recovery residences in your area.

We provide trauma-informed care, Addiction Therapy Programs, and comprehensive support to help individuals process their experience and address any substance misuse or mental health concerns. If being roofied has contributed to substance misuse or compounded mental health challenges, professional treatment is essential. At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we offer a full continuum of care to help individuals recover physically, emotionally, and mentally. Date rape is sexual assault during a social situation like a date or party. It can happen when someone is drugged with substances like roofies (Rohypnol) or alcohol to make them unable to resist.

The mental and emotional fallout from being attacked can last for years after the event, especially if it is not addressed with the help of a professional. These kinds of tests may also detect the presence of these substances even with the presence of alcohol. Roofied drug tests, such as urine tests and hair tests may be done to detect drugs like GHB or Rohypnol.

Being vigilant and aware of your surroundings is crucial in protecting yourself from potential harm. Stay alert in social settings, especially in crowded places or unfamiliar environments. If you notice any suspicious behavior or feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and take appropriate action. It’s important to remember that your safety should always be your top priority. Trusting your instincts is paramount when it comes to your personal safety. If something feels off or you sense that you may have been roofied, it is essential to take your feelings seriously.

Rohypnol, GHB, ketamine and the many other drugs predators use in roofie attacks are extremely dangerous. Some of these drugs can be fatal in high doses — especially when combined with alcohol, prescription medications and other substances. The mental and physical health consequences of being roofied can be serious. By taking the above preventative measures and knowing the signs, you can better protect yourself. If you’re struggling to recover from the trauma, FHE Health may be able to help.