Date-Rape Drugs: Protecting Yourself - Steps to Staying Safe From Becoming a Victim

Whether you are at a bar, the student union or any public situation, keep yourself and your friends safe by doing these simple things:


1.Never leave your drink unattended.


2.Do not accept open-container drinks from anyone but a bartender or server.


3.Attend parties or bars with a group of friends, arranging beforehand to watch each other’s drinks. If you arrive as a group, leave as a group.


4.Watch out for your friends. If a friend shows symptoms of date-rape drug ingestion, seek medical attention immediately.


5.Signs to look for include: Dizziness and/or nausea, memory loss, breathing or motion difficulties, and acting disproportionately intoxicated relative to the amount of alcohol consumed.


To prevent yourself and your friends from becoming victims of date-rape drug, you need to know what you are up against. While many sedatives have been used as date-rape drugs, Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine are the ones you are most likely to encounter.


GHB - Short for gamma-hydroxybutyrate, GHB is most often administered to victims as a clear liquid with a salty taste, but can also be found in capsule and powder forms.


Ketamine - Administered in liquid, tablet and powder form, Ketamine is a fast-acting general anesthetic often used by veterinarians.


Rohypnol - Often dropped into beverages in tablet form, Rohypnol is a potent and fast-acting sedative that dissolves rapidly, leaving no detectable taste, color or odor.


source: About.com