Roofies incapacitated individuals, leaving them vulnerable to assault or other forms of abuse. They are usually colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making them easily concealable. Predators looking to take advantage of unsuspecting victims combine these substances with alcohol to increase their effectiveness. It is, therefore, essential to be aware of commonly used roofies.
Here are five drugs that roofie people widely use:
Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)
Rohypnol is a powerful sedative mainly used as a sleeping pill; however, it has been used to roofie people. Its amnesic effects make it difficult for the roofied person to remember what happened to them. Rohypnol used to come as a white tablet that didn’t have a smell or taste.
Drug companies now make it a light green pill with a blue core. Newer pills are oval and green-greyish, giving a bright blue color to drink and turning it cloudy. You won’t see it if it is dissolved in a dark drink.
GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate)
GHB is a central nervous system depressant often used as a party drug. It can cause sedation, euphoria, and amnesia and has been used in cases of sexual assault. It comes in white powder, a clear or tasteless liquid, or tablets that may add slight saltiness to your beverage. The salty flavor can be concealed if combined with sweet drinks.
In less than 15 minutes, a roofied person can start to feel the effects of the drug, and they cannot defend themselves or escape. High doses of GHB can also cause seizures, coma, and even death.
Ketamine
Ketamine is an anesthetic used for medical purposes but can also be used recreationally as a hallucinogen. Ketamine is available in a clear liquid form or an off-white powder. It can cause hallucinations, confusion, delirium, and memory loss, which makes it perfect to use as a roofie.
Benzodiazepines (Benzos)
Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs commonly used to treat insomnia. Some of these drugs include Xanax, Valium, and Ativan, which are sometimes used as “roofies” or “date rape” drugs. When taken in high doses, they can cause sedation, amnesia, and impaired motor function, making it easier to assault someone without their knowledge.
Ambien
Ambien has been called a “Roofie” replacement, and it is a sedative-hypnotic that is commonly used to treat insomnia. It is a small, white tablet that can be easily crushed and added to drinks. It has hypnotic effects and is known to erase memories. A glass of wine can mask its flavor, and a standard dose causes incapacitation.
Summary
“Roofie-ing” or administering a date rape drug to someone is a serious crime with dire consequences. While the drugs commonly associated with “roofing” are Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine, assailants can also use other substances like alcohol and MDMA (ecstasy or molly) to facilitate sexual assault.
These drugs cause sedation, confusion, and memory loss, which makes it easier for predators to exploit their victims. Never leave your drinks unattended to protect yourself and others from being roofied. If you suspect someone has been roofied, seek medical attention immediately.
