Date Rape Essay, Research Paper

Date Rape drugs Rohypnol and GHB

- Tell a true story about rape then

INTRODUCTION:

Can you imagine this happening to you? Most of you probably can?t. Today rape is higher than ever before because of date rape drugs. I know that most of you men think that it couldn?t happen to you, well don?t be nieve. When date rape drugs are involved, anyone is susceptible to being a victim. The two most widely used date rape drugs are Rohypnol and GHB, and there are things that you should know about protecting yourself as well as others.

MAIN POINT 1: ROHYPNOL

The main date rape drug is Rohypnol; it is also know as ?Roofies?. It is similar to Valium, but ten times more powerful. Rohypnol is illegal in the United States, but it is used in other countries prescribed for sleeping disorders. It is usually found in a small white pill that can be crushed up and easily dropped into a drink. It dissolves fast making it hard to detect. It can also be found in a liquid form, which is rare, but can make it even harder to detect. Effects of Rohypnol usually occur within 20-30 minutes. The effects include drowsiness, dizziness and being disoriented. It also affects motor skills such as walking, talking, and balance, making one feel very drunk, which is why it is becoming known as a club drug. Rohypnol is used mostly as an enhanced drug, which means that it is taken to enhance the effects of another drug. One?s health risks increase with the consumption of alcohol, which can lead to death or coma. Rohypnol has been found to be physically addictive, and it does have bead withdrawals. The main side effect of the drug is a memory loss of 4-10hrs. During which time a person can be rendered helpless.

MAIN POINT 2: GHB

Another date rape drug is GHB, known as liquid ecstasy, liquid G or grievous bodily harm. GHB is also used as an enhanced drug, because it has no hangover and usually cant be detected 4-5hrs.after ingestion. Also it has no documented long-term effects, or physiological addiction. It is usually found as a clear liquid. GHB used to be legal, it was used by body builders to help build muscle, but was banned in 1990 for public safety concerns, because it could become harmful when mixed with other drugs. Effects of the drug are usually felt in 15-20min. The effects are different for each person. GHB caused short-term amnesia. Common effects are nausea, dizziness, confusion and drowsiness. Health risks also increase with the consumption of alcohol or other drugs. GHB is mostly made at home today, but when it was legal, could be purchased over the counter. Today the drug is used in Europe for the relief of alcoholic withdrawal, and also to aid in child birth because it helps dilate the cervix and it helps the fetus breath easier.

MAIN POINT 3: WHAT TO DO

What should you do if you or some you thins they have been drugged? Because the drugs are difficult to detect, one should never leave their drink unattended. If your drink tastes salty or bitter, you should dispose of it immediately. If you feel drunker than what you should be, or you become extremely tired or drowsy, tell someone you trust, and get to a safe place. An important thing to remember, is if you think this has happened to you, and you want to report it, you shouldn?t shower or change your clothes, just go straight to the emergency room, where they can test you for the drug.

CONCLUSION:

The two most widely used date rape drugs are Rohypnol and GHB, and there are things you should know about protecting yourself as well as others. So please remember that these drugs are out there, and anyone can become a victim.