Rohypnol: Understanding the “Date Rape” Drug

Roopies, known on the street as “Rohypnol,” is a powerful central nervous system depressant belonging to the benzodiazepine class of drugs [1][2]. Its generic name is flunitrazepam, and while it’s legally manufactured and used in some countries to treat insomnia and anxiety, it is neither manufactured nor approved for sale in the United States [2][3]. Rohypnol has gained notoriety primarily due to its use as a date rape drug, where it’s surreptitiously added to someone’s drink to incapacitate them [4][5].

What is Rohypnol?

Rohypnol is a benzodiazepine, similar to Valium but 7 to 10 times more potent [4][5]. It produces sedative-hypnotic, anti-anxiety, and muscle relaxant effects [1]. The drug is available in other countries as a prescription medication for short-term treatment of severe sleep disorders [2][6]. However, in the U.S., it is illegal to manufacture, sell, use, or possess Rohypnol [7][8].

Prior to 1997, Rohypnol was manufactured as a white tablet that was colorless, tasteless, and odorless when mixed in drinks [1][8]. To combat its use in sexual assaults, the manufacturer reformulated it into an oblong, olive-green tablet with a speckled blue core [3][9]. This new formulation is supposed to turn light-colored drinks blue when dissolved, but this can be disguised in dark-colored drinks, and generic versions may not contain the blue dye [1][9].

How is Rohypnol Abused?

Rohypnol can be swallowed whole, crushed and snorted, or dissolved in liquid [1][8]. It’s often combined with alcohol to intensify the intoxicating effects or used to alleviate the negative side effects of stimulants like cocaine [1][6]. Rohypnol is misused for its euphoric effects, reduced inhibitions, and impaired judgment [1][8].

A particularly dangerous form of abuse involves sexual predators who slip Rohypnol into an unsuspecting victim’s drink, leading to incapacitation and memory loss, making it difficult to prosecute sexual assault cases [4][5].

Effects of Rohypnol

Rohypnol’s effects are usually felt within 15 to 20 minutes of administration and can last for more than 12 hours [3][8]. A single 2-milligram pill has a potency equivalent to a six-pack of beer [3].

Short-term effects include:

• Drowsiness [2][8]
• Sedation [4][10]
• Muscle relaxation [1][10]
• Decreased blood pressure [6][11]
• Dizziness [10][12]
• Loss of motor control and coordination [4][13]
• Slurred speech [13][14]
• Confusion [2][10]
• Impaired judgment [5][10]
• Amnesia (memory loss) [4][15]
• Blackouts [12][14]
• Aggression or excitability (in some individuals) [2][16]
• Upset stomach [10][11]
• Respiratory depression [1][13]

Rohypnol’s ability to cause amnesia is particularly dangerous, as victims may not remember the assault, the assailant, or the events surrounding the assault [4][9].

Long-Term Effects of Rohypnol Abuse

The long-term effects of Rohypnol abuse can be significant, impacting both physical and mental health [17][18].

These effects may include:

• Cognitive impairment (memory loss, decreased attention, difficulty focusing) [17][19]
• Psychological consequences (depression, anxiety, psychosis) [13][17]
• Physical health issues (liver, heart, and kidney damage, gastrointestinal problems) [17]
• Dependence and withdrawal [14][20]

Chronic Rohypnol use can lead to physical and psychological dependence, and those who suddenly stop using the drug may experience withdrawal symptoms [14][20].

Rohypnol withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Headaches [16][21]
• Muscle pain [19][21]
• Anxiety [22][23]
• Tension [20][21]
• Restlessness [21][24]
• Confusion [14][20]
• Tingling or numbness in the extremities [20][21]
• Hallucinations [20][22]
• Seizures [16][20]
• Delirium [20][22]
• Loss of identity [14][20]
• Shock [20][21]
• Cardiovascular distress [20]
• Insomnia [21][22]
• Mood swings [22]
• Intense cravings [22][23]

Withdrawal from Rohypnol can be life-threatening, and it’s recommended to undergo medically supervised detox [14][22].

Rohypnol and Sexual Assault

Rohypnol’s association with drug-facilitated sexual assault is a major concern [6][7]. The drug can be slipped into a drink without the person knowing, causing them to become incapacitated and unable to resist [4][9]. The resulting amnesia makes it difficult for victims to recall the events, hindering prosecution [4][9].

Recognizing Rohypnol Use and Overdose

Signs of Rohypnol use include drowsiness, dizziness, impaired motor skills, and confusion [2][8]. Overdose symptoms include extreme drowsiness, hallucinations, blurred vision, dizziness, confusion, mood swings, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness [13]. High doses, especially when combined with alcohol or other depressants, can cause slowed heart rate, respiratory issues, and potentially death [1][13].

Prevention and Safety Tips

Protecting yourself and your friends from Rohypnol and other date rape drugs is crucial [25][26].

Here are some safety tips:

• Never leave your drink unattended [25][26].
• Keep your hand over your drink [25][27].
• Watch the bartender pour your drink [27][28].
• Don’t accept drinks from strangers [27][28].
• Order your own drinks and watch them being made [27][28].
• Avoid pre-poured or pre-mixed drinks [28].
• Drink with friends and look out for one another [26][27].
• Tell someone if you start to feel much more intoxicated than you expected [28].
• Trust your instincts [26].
• If a situation feels unsafe, get help or go home [26].

If you suspect you’ve been drugged, get to a safe place and seek immediate medical attention [10]. Request a urine drug toxicology test at the hospital, as a special test is needed to detect Rohypnol [10].

Legal Status

Rohypnol is a Schedule IV substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States [7][8]. Although Schedule IV drugs are considered to have a lower potential for abuse, the penalties for possession, trafficking, and distribution of Rohypnol are equivalent to those of a Schedule I substance [2][8].

Common Questions About Rohypnol

• What does Rohypnol look like? Rohypnol is now manufactured as an oblong, light green tablet with a blue core [1][9]. However, generic versions may not contain the blue dye [8][9].
• What are the street names for Rohypnol? Common street names include roofies, roaches, rope, ruffles, forget pill, and Mexican Valium [4][10].
• How long does Rohypnol stay in your system? Rohypnol’s metabolic properties are detectable in urine for up to 72 hours after ingestion [6].
• Is Rohypnol legal in the United States? No, it is illegal to manufacture, sell, use, or possess Rohypnol in the United States [7][8].
• What should I do if I think I’ve been drugged? Get to a safe place, seek immediate medical attention, and request a urine drug toxicology test [10].

Conclusion

Rohypnol poses significant risks, particularly its use in sexual assaults. Understanding its effects, dangers, and methods of abuse is crucial for prevention and safety. If you or someone you know is struggling with Rohypnol abuse or addiction, seek professional help immediately

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