A dark, twisted trend has seen a domino effect in the past decade or so: date rape drugs.

Though we have heard the warnings about date rate drugs, most of us haven’t taken much time to understand what they are. Researchers estimate that approximately 80% of rape cases include different date rape drugs – making it a massive factor of women become victimized. Because some of these drugs pass through the body quickly, factual reporting is limited.

Despite the misleading umbrella term of “date rape drugs”, these substances are used for more than just rape. Sometimes perpetrators target victims to steal from them or even kidnap them.

Rape victims who have unknowingly been administered date rape drugs are more likely to report PTSD symptoms than assaults that occur without drugs.

Three drugs are most commonly used as date rape drugs: Ketamine, GHB and Rohypnol.

Almost all of the most common date rape drugs are odourless and tasteless. In some cases, those that have a drugged spiked with GHB may recall it being salty. However, other than that, they can be virtually undetectable.

A doctor typically prescribes Rohypnol to patients that suffer from sleep or anxiety disorders. Despite this, Rohypnol is uncommon in Canada and the USA because it hasn’t been approved by the FDA or Canada Health. The effects of Rohypnol are typically felt after 30 minutes of administration of the drug. The symptoms are slurred speech, dizziness, loss of muscle control, nausea, confusion, memory loss and blackouts.

GHB (also known as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) is used to treat narcolepsy. GHB is a fast-acting drug that takes full effect after 15 minutes. Signs of GHB are drowsiness, blurred vision, relaxation, seizures, memory loss, nausea, blackouts and increased sensuality.

Ketamine is used during surgical procedures, and it takes effect just a minute after ingestion. It can cause out-of-body experiences, convulsions, numbness, violence, problems breathing and a dream-like state.

Based on the effects of these drugs, it’s evident that the wrong dosage can have extremely harmful consequences. In extreme cases, they can be lethal.

Scientists are working on different detection methods for date rape drugs to make social events safer. However, as of current, there is no fail-proof method that can detect the multiple types of date rape drugs (and their generic brands).

The best tool that teenagers and young adults can equip themselves with is knowledge and prevention.

When we think about our drinks being spiked at a nightclub, we often think of a predator that is walking passed and drops a small pill in our vodka sodas. However, recent reports suggest that sometimes the culprit is behind the bar.

Bartenders explain that they have been paid to spike women’s drinks. It puts patrons into an extremely vulnerable position when individuals that are essentially in power are also putting them at risk.

Avoiding Date Rape Drugs

Be Careful with Drinks

When ordering a drink, you must watch behind the bar as it’s getting poured. Keep an eye on it from as soon as the bartender pulls a glass.

Do not take an eye off of your drink. If your glass is unattended for any amount of time, pour it out and order a new one.

Buddy System

One of the best tips you can instil in your child’s mind is using the buddy system. If someone in the group goes to the bathroom, other trusted friends can keep an eye on their drinks.

In the event somebody is unknowingly slipped something, other friends can detect the unusual behaviour and get them to a safe place. Due to the harmful effects of drugs, anybody that may have been drugged should go to a hospital.

If anybody becomes unexplainably intoxicated, that’s often a telltale sign of drugging. If somebody has had one drink and suddenly appears wobbly and slurring their speech, take them to a hospital.

Even though more risks are coming to our attention, being aware of them is the first step to staying safe.

Be alert in social settings (especially when there is alcohol involved) and keep an eye on the people around you.

Above all, stay safe and aware of your surroundings.

Written by Celina Dawdy