Symptoms of Being Roofied: Know the Signs When Youve Been Roofied

You may wake up feeling unusually intoxicated with no memory of having drunk much (or any) alcohol or find yourself in a location without knowing how you got there. Most people who take the drug have no memory of what happened while under its influence. Blood pressure will drop and people will become drowsy and eventually black out (lose consciousness.) Side effects of Rohypnol typically peak within two hours but can persist for up to 12 hours.

If you or a loved one suffers from substance abuse, it’s time to seek professional help. Whether you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, the Mandala Healing Center is here to offer you the tools and support you need to recover. Because being roofied is a serious concern, it’s important to understand exactly what it means. While the nickname comes from a drug called Rohypnol, other substances can be used to hinder you as well. For example, someone could roofie your drink with gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), ketamine, or benzodiazepines like Xanax and valium. When slipped into an open drink, all these drugs result in similar symptoms – memory loss, lethargy, a drugged/drunk-like state.

The word ‘roofied’ is short for ‘roofie,’ the slang term used for the CNS depressant drug Rohypnol. However, roofies are just one type of the many drug used to perpetrate sexual crimes, such as date rape. If you suspect that you or a friend have been dosed with a date rape drug, it’s critical that you don’t attempt to drive.

What to Do If Your Drink Is Spiked

• Because the effects of roofies are too strong, many people can’t recall what happened except the next day or a few days after the incident.
• Seeking help from mental health professionals is crucial for processing the trauma and reducing symptoms of PTSD.
• If you notice any concerning symptoms in a friend, take immediate action to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Since spiking a drink aims to make the victim helpless, most drugs used to roofie cause muscle relaxation.

However, you may have been roofied if the symptoms are stronger than expected based on the amount you drank. But you may have been roofied if the symptoms are stronger than you expect based on the amount you drank. Because you may lose consciousness very quickly in this situation, acting fast is essential at the onset of any signs you’ve been roofied. It’s also important to seek medical care afterward if you wake up the next day suspecting you’ve been roofied. Research gleaned from three large universities suggests that as many as one in 13 college students has been slipped drugs without their knowledge or consent. Seventy-nine percent of those who reported being drugged were women, and women were more likely to experience sexual assault after being drugged.

Some of these drugs can be fatal in high doses — especially when combined with alcohol, prescription medications and other substances. Having your drink spiked without your knowledge or consent is commonly called “being roofied.” And it can make sexual violence more likely. Seeking immediate medical attention also helps if the victim decides to pursue legal recourse.

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Seeking help and support is crucial if you suspect you have been roofied. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or authority figure who can provide assistance. They can help ensure your safety and guide you through the necessary steps roofie symptoms next day to take.

It’s also crucial to report the incident to law enforcement, especially if you suspect foul play or assault. That’s part of the reason sharing your experience can be so powerful. The culture of silence around date rape drugs, Dr. Albers explains, makes this kind of crime easier to pull off. But there are protective measures you, your friends and the places you go can take to (1) reduce the likelihood of being dosed and (2) feel more confident when you’re out on the town.

If you have been roofied, it is important to get medical care and to have someone to help monitor you as the drugs leave your system. Mental health treatment can help victims to feel safe, heard, empowered, and healed as they recover from the experience of being roofied. If a person has been sexually assaulted after being spiked, they may experience depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), flashbacks, or suicidal thoughts. Roofies affect each person differently, especially if they have alcohol or other drugs in their system.

Part of the appeal of Rohypnol as a party drug (especially among young people) is its low cost. Roofies can be abused as recreational or “club” drugs, much like ketamine, ecstasy (MDMA), or gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). NSVRC provides resources and tools for survivors of sexual violence, educators, advocates, and friends and family members. RAINN provides a convenient chat feature as well as the National Sexual Assault Hotline for those who believe they have fallen victim to sexual assault. Even in a seemingly innocuous state like Utah, public health data resources suggest that one in six women experience rape (a figure that also includes attempted rape) during their lifetime. The prevalence of being roofied is alarmingly high, making it crucial to understand the dangers and be aware of the signs.

• It is important to avoid washing, brushing, or changing clothes before seeking medical attention, as these actions can potentially wash away or destroy valuable evidence.
• If you have concerns about confidentiality, ask the therapist to explain the rules around mandatory reporting.
• One way to tell between the two is that someone who is roofied may appear to be extremely drunk only after one or two drinks.
• Also, try to speak to friends who may have been with you at the time to see if they can confirm any details.
• This means they slow down activity in your brain and lead to fatigue, sedation, and unconsciousness.

Roofies and Sexual Assault

Unfortunately, being roofied is quite common as the drug is easy to obtain. Statistics show that almost 11% of women had been roofied, and most had their drinks spiked by someone they knew. Additionally, 12% of women reported that they knew someone who had been roofied. Being roofied is a deeply traumatic experience, but recovery is possible with the right support.

If you suspect you’ve been roofied, prioritize your safety by seeking immediate medical attention and contacting local authorities. Recognizing the signs that someone may have been roofied is crucial for ensuring their safety and getting them the help they need. Roofie drugs such as Rohypnol, GHB, and ketamine can act quickly, often leaving individuals disoriented, vulnerable, and unable to recall events. Anxiety and depression are also common among victims, who may experience persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Additionally, the trauma can lead to substance abuse as a coping mechanism, potentially resulting in addiction.

Understanding the Dangers of Being Roofied

By maintaining control over your drinks and staying vigilant, you can reduce the chances of being roofied. Additionally, if you notice any physical symptoms or changes in your well-being, document those as well. Take photographs of any visible injuries or unusual marks on your body. This documentation can serve as evidence and support your case if needed.

Full effects typically leave someone unconscious and can last up to 12 hours. Most people recover, but severe symptoms may require medical attention. Specialized treatment centers offer comprehensive care for survivors of sexual assault, including medical treatment, counseling, and support services.

How Long Does Rohypnol Stay in the Body?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sexual violence occurs to millions of individuals in the United States every year. About half of women have or will experience sexual assault that involves some form of physical contact over the course of their lives. As for men, one in three will have experienced a sex crime committed against them. Roofies are dangerous because they often involve central nervous system depressants, which can significantly impair your ability to function and react. These drugs, designed to sedate and incapacitate, are commonly used to facilitate crimes like sexual assault.