Things we used to see in movies from abroad are increasingly creeping into our society. In movies, we will see a girl clubbing, a cute guy sits by her, they start talking and next scene she wakes up by the man and forgets the events that led her to that moment.
Some will say she is faking to have forgotten and she knew what she was doing, however, in most cases, it was a result of a drug that was slipped into her drink, making her to lose consciousness and all her power to refuse.
What are date-rape drugs?
Date-rape drugs, also called club drugs (as they are mostly used at clubs or concerts) are drugs used to promote sexual assault (when consent is not given for any sexual activity). They reduce the capacity of the victim to resist assault or numbs their inhibitions. Making them accept things they may not have otherwise wanted.
Several types exist in the market (most of them illegally used of course).
The most common are flunitrazepam (Rophynol), gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), ketamine (special K) and to an extent, alcohol. They come as pills, powders or liquids. They are easy to slip into drinks unnoticed (with little or no difference with the drink that was drugged) and the effects are very fast.
Some like Rophynol can turn clear liquids bright blue and dark drinks cloudy in appearance. However, this is rarely noticeable in a dark room.
GHB, usually makes drinks taste salty, sweet drinks can however mask salty taste. Just be careful to notice if any changes have occurred with your drink.
A drugged (spiked) drink may cause any of the following on the victim:
- Euphoria (feeling high)
- Heightened senses (increased sex drive)
- Drunk feeling
- Difficulties talking
- Difficulties moving
- Loss of memory
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach upset
- Visual disturbance
- Coma
- Death
What to do when your drink drugged
If you are fortunate to notice the effects early enough:
- Find a way to leave the place. Run!
- If not possible, find a room you can lock yourself in till it gets out of your system.
- Call a friend or someone to come take you.
If however you notice you were sexually assaulted:
- Seek medical help quickly and go as you are, do not freshen up (no bathing, brushing of teeth, do not urinate, no eating or drinking). This may not only serve as evidence of an assault but also help prevent some sexually transmitted diseases. Time is of the essence.
- Once through from the hospital, next stop is the police. Report the case, saying as much as you can remember. I under
- Get counseling.
How can you protect yourself from drink spiking?
- Never leave your drinks unattended to (yes, even when you go to the toilet). If you notice your drink was unattended to for a while, pour it out and get a refill.
- Be accountable. Have someone know where you are and what time to expect you to be home. Make plans for your journey home.
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About the author
Dr. Ekwoge Hilda is a trained pharmacist from Cameroon and Co-founder of HILPharma. When she is not busy creating content, she slings pills to pay the bills.