The STOPLight

Date rape drugs threaten youth

Recent court trials in which young men were convicted of involuntary manslaughter have brought our focus to the shocking realization that drugs are being used to anesthetize young women for the purpose of rape.

Alcohol was the date rape drug of choice for many years and remains a threat to the nation's youth. It is easily attainable by young people, either from their peers or from their parents' liquor cabinets. However, there are "new" drugs on the market used for this same purpose. Rohypnol (Roofies) and GHB, often called "Ecstacy," are slipped into beverages with effects such as muscle relaxation, dizziness, and amnesia. When used with alcohol, effects of the drugs are even more rapid. The victim will pass out or become so dazed they cannot remember nor control what is going on around them. To other people, the victim will appear to be heavily intoxicated.

Assailants often will rape or sexually assault the victim once they have become affected by the drug since the unconscious victims will not be able to put up a fight. Victims often awaken in an unfamiliar or dangerous situation after the drug has lost its effect.

Rohypnol is a white tablet, single or double scored on one side and resembling the common aspirin. "Roche" or "RI-I" is imprinted and "I" or "Z" is circled on the other side. GH B is often homemade and carried in water bottles or similar containers. Lethal overdose is unlikely; however, continued use will result in physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms range from headache, muscle pain, and confusion to hallucinations and convulsions. Seizures may occur a week or more after cessation of use. Thus, medically supervised detoxification using diminishing doses of other denzodiazepines is essential. Other similar drugs flood the party scene in America today.

Prescription drugs are also readily available at parties "for the fun of it" and most people do not realize these drugs can disengage an individual's capacity to function, including asking for help, for up to eight hours. How can we protect our dating-age youth from the use of date rape drugs?

Warn them as follows:

• Stop and think!
• Don't leave beverages of any kind unattended.
• Don't accept open containers at parties.
• Beware of the punch bowl.
• If you feel ill, get help immediately (dial 911 if necessary).

Other warning signs to share with our young people relate to the relationship with the partner of the opposite sex.

Is your boyfriend or girlfriend...

• jealous and possessive toward you, won't let you see or talk to friends and family, checks up on you, won't accept breaking up?
• embarrassing you with degrading names and insults?
• attempting to force you to have sex or perform sexual acts you do not want to do?
• always "playfully" wrestling with you? Does he/she twist your arm behind your back and hurt you? Does he/she throw you into the pool against your will, then accuse you of having no sense of humor?

In warning the youth, we must encourage them to use common sense and trust no one they do not know.

by Jan Serstock, A-STOP Discovery Coordinator

In 2002 our organization changed its name to Adults Saving Kids. Prior to that we were called A-STOP (Alliance for Speaking Truths On Prostitution), STOP (Speaking Truths On Prostitution), or Grassroots Ministry Alliance.