Being roofied is never the victim’s fault, but there are signs and symptoms to watch out for to help keep you and the people around you safe. Drink spiking a person to sexually assault or rape them is also known as alcohol or drug-facilitated sexual assault. Unfortunately, roofies are commonly used to make victims weaker to sexual assault. Rohypnols, also known as “roofies,” are powerful sedatives that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. They are best known for their use in drug-facilitated sexual assaults. When mixed with alcohol, their effects are amplified, increasing the risk of respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and even overdose.

Is Spiking a Form of Sexual Assault?

• It also slows breathing, which can be dangerous or even fatal, especially if combined with alcohol or other sedatives.
• It is also important not to wash yourself or any clothing from the night before to avoid damaging potential evidence.
• The symptoms of being roofied can be traumatic, and you may need help to deal with the side effects.
• As you work on recovering physically, consider talking to a mental health professional in the future so you can express your feelings and work through any trauma.

His expertise includes prevention, diagnosis, and management of adult diseases, as well as specialized care for individuals facing substance use disorders. If you believe you or someone else has been roofied, get to a safe place as soon as possible. Try to alert your friends about the danger and stay where people can see you until help arrives. Imagine yourself going out with friends, the music is thumping, and laughter is all around you—time of your life. Everything becomes foggy all of a sudden, and the next morning you cannot recall what happened the night before. Many people have gone through this terrible circumstance; thus, it is crucial to understand what it means to be roofied, how to defend oneself, and what to do should it happen to you.

Today, someone who says they were “roofied” could have had their drink contaminated with any number of substances. If you suspect you’ve been drugged, seek immediate medical care, contact a trusted friend, and ensure your safety. But things happen, and even the utmost precaution won’t stop someone with bad intentions. During my sophomore year of college, I went to a club with my best friend, had a single drink, and blacked out as the result of being drugged, despite having played by all the safety rules. It was a terrifying experience all around, especially when I had no idea what to do when I finally realized what had happened.

If you think you’ve been roofied, head to the emergency room and let the doctors know.While Rohypnol is common, other drugs like ketamine and GHB are also sometimes used as date rape drugs. These drugs stay in the body for around the same amount of time.Most date rape drugs wear off after 6 to 12 hours. However, even after the drugs have worn off, you may still experience side effects like dizziness, nausea, or mood swings. Whether the drug appears in your bloodstream doesn’t invalidate your experience. In social settings, particularly nightlife environments, the risk of being drugged without consent is an unfortunate reality. Understanding the symptoms of being roofied, especially with common date rape drugs like benzodiazepines (including Xanax) and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), is crucial for personal safety.

Your Support Fuels Our Mission

Some side effects can be long-lasting, depending on how much of the drug you ingested and how your body reacts to it. “It’s scary how fast you can be drugged unknowingly, even when you think you’re being alert and aware of your surroundings,” she said. Also, try to save the beverage you were drinking; it could potentially be tested to see what you were drugged with. “These drugs can also dull your sense of hearing, making it more difficult to know what is happening around you or what is being said to you,” she explained. Frequently, these drugs can result in someone completely losing consciousness or quickly getting to a “blackout state,” Michonski said. The pair of friends went back to their table, where Hansen texted her boyfriend and told him she was headed home soon.

• Dizziness, confusion, or disorientation Directly after being roofied, you might get confused about where you are or who you’re with.
• These substances can impair memory and increase vulnerability to assault.
• Additionally, working with an attorney who specializes in sexual assault cases can help victims navigate the legal system and pursue justice.
• The drug most commonly used in roofies, Rohypnol, is illegal in the United States and is classified as a Schedule IV substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

Does Ice Float in a Spiked Drink?

“Other than legal issues raised, if you have been sexually assaulted, you should be tested and treated for potential STDs,” Giwa adds. If you believe you or someone else has been roofied, get to a safe place. Victims may experience headaches, muscle aches, sensitivity to light, and an upset stomach. Survivors who were raped or assaulted may feel sore or experience a sense that they have had sexual intercourse. The symptoms of being roofied can vary depending on the drug used, the dose, and how it has been mixed.

Direct Impacts: Symptoms of Being Roofied

In high doses, a person can become unconscious and may not remember what happened to them. Edmund has an extensive background in addiction research and medical writing, working collaboratively with doctors, substance use disorder specialists, and clinical experts across all content on Recovered. If interaction with first responders is required, describe what you know they have consumed and accurately estimate your friend’s alcohol consumption. Rohypnol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, which means that if you have been roofied you will often feel overly relaxed, sleepy, disorientated, and calm.

If you suspect you’ve been drugged or your loved one, consider seeking addiction treatment, proper healthcare, or detox services. Substance misuse, whether intentional or involuntary, can have severe consequences on mental health and overall well-being. Additionally, if symptoms are severe or if there’s a risk of overdose, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Don’t shower or bathe until prior to going to the hospital, as it could destroy evidence. If you are experiencing symptoms of being roofied and suspect someone has slipped you an illicit drug, call 911 immediately. Don’t drive, and don’t leave the area you’re at unless you’re in danger.

Detecting the common signs of being roofied can be confusing, especially if you’ve been drinking. 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 word “roofied” refers to getting drugged without your knowledge or consent.

Yet, Rohypnol’s effects can last for several hours, unlike other drugs, whose effects can last for one hour or so. Hansen, the woman drugged at an Austin bar, said she’s still speaking with a therapist to work through her trauma. With that in mind, HuffPost asked experts like Michonski to describe some of the most common signs that someone has been nonconsensually drugged. Unfortunately, the bar had no cameras near the drink station, so there was no way to identify whoever had drugged them. That’s part of the reason sharing your experience can be so powerful.

Being roofied refers what to do if you think you got roofied to the act of being drugged without one’s knowledge or consent, often with the intention of committing sexual assault or rape. The term “roofie” originated from the drug Rohypnol, also known as flunitrazepam, which is a type of benzodiazepine that can cause sedation, amnesia, and loss of consciousness. This malicious act can occur in various settings, including parties, dates, and other social gatherings, leaving the victim vulnerable and with severe physical and emotional consequences. Understanding what it means to be roofied is crucial in recognizing the signs and taking appropriate action to protect oneself and others from sexual assault. Rohypnol is the most common drug that’s used to roofie people, and it only stays in your system for 12 to 72 hours.

Being roofied can also make you feel dizzy, which can make it hard to walk straight. Ask anyone who was with you that night to confirm details or events. Maybe a friend of yours noticed you acting strange, or maybe an acquaintance saw you leave a party with someone else.