I’ve been circling this topic for so long now because I couldn’t get the exact words to fully detail date rape. It has more or less, become a norm on our campuses, seeping into the very fabric of our beings.
However, I have to start somewhere.
First, what is date rape?
Date rape is a type of acquaintance rape in which there is a possibility of a romantic or sexual relationship between the two people in the moment the sexual assault occurs. It involves any kind of sexual activity which a person does not give consent to especially on a date or hangout. Could be kissing, fondling, sex etc. ANY sexual activity a person doesn’t agree to can be labeled date rape. This coercion is mostly done with the use of drugs which affect a person really quickly like alcohol, flunitrazepam (also called roofies), gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB, also called liquid ecstasy) and ketamine (also called Special K). These drugs may come in form of pills, liquids, or powders.
Date rape drugs are dangerous and pack a punch too. These drugs often have no color, smell, or taste, and can be slipped into your drink so you can’t tell that you are being drugged.
The drugs can make you become weak and confused — or even pass out — so that you cannot consent to sex. If you are drugged, chances are you might not remember what happened while you were under the influence of the drug .
Effects Of Date Rape Drugs
Depending on how much of the drug is taken and if the drug is mixed with other drugs or alcohol, it can cause serious health problems and even death.
Roofies
The effects of roofies can be felt within 30 minutes of being drugged and can last for several hours. If you are drugged, you can experience these problems:
Muscle relaxation or loss of muscle control
Difficulty with motor movements
Drunk feeling
Problems talking
Nausea
Temporary loss of memory
Loss of consciousness
Confusion
Dizziness and sleepiness
Stomach problems and lastly;
Death
Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid — GHB
GHB takes effect in about 15 minutes and can last 3 or 4 hours. It is very potent and a very small amount can have a powerful effect which is why it is very easy to overdose on GHB. Most GHB is made by people in home or street labs and can cause these problems:
Drowsiness and dizziness
Nausea
Sight problems
Loss of consciousness
Seizures
Selective amnesia
Breathing problems
Vomiting
Slowed heart rate
Dream-like feeling or being stuck in limbo
Coma and death
Ketamine
Ketamine is very fast-acting. You might be aware of what is happening to you, but unable to move. Ketamine can cause these problems:
Distorted perceptions of sight and sounds
Out of body experiences
Dream-like feeling
Impaired motor functions
Difficulty in breathing
Convulsions
Vomiting
Memory problems
Numbness
Loss of coordination
Aggressive or violent behavior
Depression
High blood pressure
Slurred speech
Some of the ways to prevent date rape include :
Don’t accept drinks from other people.
Open containers yourself.
Keep your drink with you at all times, even when you go to the bathroom.
Don’t share drinks.
Don’t drink from punch bowls or other common, open containers. They may already have drugs in them.
If someone offers to get you a drink from a bar or at a party, go with the person to order your drink. Watch the drink being poured and carry it yourself.
Don’t drink anything that tastes or smells strange. Sometimes, GHB tastes salty.
Have a nondrinking friend with you to make sure nothing happens.
If you realize you left your drink unattended, pour it out.
If you feel drunk and haven’t drunk any alcohol or if you feel like the effects of drinking alcohol are stronger than usual, get help right away.
Do not think “oh, it can’t happen to me” and use that as an excuse to be careless. Two in every five college students admit to being victims of date rape. Take the adequate measures and stay safe.
Peace.
Written By ShugsAddict
