While the world is celebrating Valentine’s Day with roses and chocolates, SANCA Heidelberg will be celebrating it in a different way. This year we want to make people aware of the reality of date rape drugs and how to protect themselves.

 

Date rape drugs is a term used to describe drugs that are sometimes used to assist in committing a sexual assault. Sexual assault is any type of sexual activity that a person does not agree to. Because of the effects of these drugs, victims may be physically helpless, unable to refuse sex, and unable to remember what happened. The drugs often have no color, odor or taste and are easily added to flavored drinks without the victim’s knowledge.

 

Rohypnol (Roofies), GHB (Liquid ecstasy) and Ketamine (Special K) are the three most common date rape drugs and their effects include drowsiness, dizziness, loss of consciousness, inability to remember what happened while drugged, hallucinations, lost sense of time and identity, loss of coordination, muscle relaxation or loss of muscle control, visual disturbances & problems talking.

 

Alcohol may also be considered a date rape drug because it affects judgment and behavior and can be used to help commit sexual assault.

 

Protect yourself by not accepting drinks from others, not sharing drinks, watching your drink, and having a non-drinking friend with you to make sure nothing happens.  If you arrive as a group, leave as a group. Watch out for your friends. If a friend shows symptoms of date-rape drug ingestion, seek medical attention immediately. If you think that you have been a victim, notify the police immediately.