To be “roofied” or “getting roofied” refers to an instance (often involving sexual assault or rape) where the victim has been given Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) without their knowledge. Understanding the what and how of “date rape drugs” improves your odds of avoiding it. Psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, explains what roofies are, how to spot them in action and what to do if you or somebody you know is drugged. This amnesia (memory loss) is more likely to occur when a roofie is mixed with alcohol. Let us continue to spread awareness about this issue and educate others about the risks involved.

Because these drugs incapacitate victims, they may fall or be unable to protect themselves, leading to injuries they cannot remember acquiring. Extreme drowsiness or sudden unconsciousness can also indicate being roofied. While alcohol can cause sleepiness, the level of sedation from drugs like Rohypnol is much more intense, often leading to complete unconsciousness for several hours.

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. Someone who has been roofied will feel extremely intoxicated very quickly. They may suddenly feel more amorous and sexual and respond emotionally to others in ways that are not characteristic of them. Therapy and counseling can be critical in healing, helping survivors process their experiences and work toward recovery in a supportive and understanding environment. This step is critical for addressing the immediate health concerns and aiding in potential legal actions.

What Are Roofied Drinks?

The powerful sedative effects can slow your breathing and heart rate to dangerous levels, which may lead to fatal respiratory depression. Because of these risks, it is critical to always be cautious when consuming beverages in social settings and to seek immediate medical help if you suspect that you have been roofied. The duration of the side effects from roofies varies from person to person. Typically, the drug starts working within 20 minutes, and its sedative effects can last up to 12 hours. If alcohol or other substances are in your system, these effects may be even more pronounced and prolonged. If you feel that you have been roofied and subsequently assaulted, know that you are not to blame.

What Is in Roofies?

  • Several drugs fall under the roofie category because of their potent sedative and amnesiac effects.
  • The duration a roofie remains in your system depends on the specific drug used to spike your drink.
  • “Roofies” contain Rohypnol or other common date-rape drugs such as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) or ketamine.
  • Recognizing the symptoms of being roofied and understanding what to do afterward can be lifesaving.
  • Having your drink spiked without your knowledge or consent is commonly called “being roofied.” And it can make sexual violence more likely.

While it is entirely the responsibility of rapists not to rape, there are a few different ways that people can take precautions against getting roofied. According to Womens Care Florida, people can confirm that their drinks are being served directly by the bartender. Always keep you hand covering your drink when it is not in your direct line of vision. People are very creative, and have easily dosed unsuspecting people on the dance floor. Immediately get help if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or lightheaded, and stick with your friends to avoid being separated. Additionally, people make strips that light up a certain color if they detect drugs.

These substances are particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol, increasing the risk of overdose, unconsciousness, and assault. Drugs like Rohypnol, GHB, and ketamine are the most commonly used date-rape drugs, but it’s hard to know exactly how commonly they are used because many cases go unreported. However, when a person is roofied, they likely only had 1 or 2 drinks and don’t remember very much after that point until they have woken up.

Seeking immediate medical attention also helps if the victim decides to pursue legal recourse. If the person has been sexually assaulted, they’ll need to go to a hospital so the facility’s sexual assault team can collect forensic evidence. 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.

Trusting your instincts is paramount when it comes to your personal safety. If something feels off or you sense that you may have been roofied, it is essential to take your feelings seriously. Trusting yourself and your instincts can help you take the necessary steps to protect yourself.

‘Being roofied’ is a phrase meaning someone unknowingly took drugs before being sexually assaulted or raped. Rohypnol, GHB, ketamine and the many other drugs predators use in roofie attacks are extremely dangerous. Some of these drugs can be fatal in high doses — especially when combined with alcohol, prescription medications and other substances. Remember, your safety and well-being are of utmost importance, and reaching out for assistance is a crucial step toward ensuring your recovery and holding those responsible accountable. Identifying whether you’ve been roofied can begin with subtle cues, such as an unusual salty taste in your drink during the initial stages of ingestion. Victims may experience profound brain fog and significant memory loss, which are alarming symptoms of being roofied.

It can be helpful to watch for signs of being roofied like loss of consciousness, dizziness, difficulty moving, or nausea and vomiting. A roofie attack is when a perpetrator spikes a drink of an intended victim in order to take advantage of them. These effects meaning of roofied can make it more difficult for victims to escape dangerous situations. Other commonly used street names of Rohypnol include roche, ruffied, ruffles, and forget-me drug. If interaction with first responders is required, describe what you know they have consumed and accurately estimate your friend’s alcohol consumption.

  • However, you can do several things to lower the chances of getting roofied.
  • Healthcare professionals can administer a rape kit to collect evidence and may also provide pregnancy prevention medication as a precautionary measure.
  • You want to make sure you remove yourself from the environment where the possible offender is.
  • Unlike alcohol, which typically takes time to affect cognitive function, drugs like Rohypnol cause sudden and profound mental clouding.
  • Instead, try to stay in a public place while you wait for the ambulance to arrive.

Signs of Being Roofied

Read here to find out more about how long drugs and alcohol stay in your system. Traces of Rohypnol leave the body very quickly, making it difficult to be detected in most standard drug tests. Urine samples need to be collected in just 72 hours and saliva and drug tests are normally ineffective in under 24 hours. More elaborate hair follicle testing can be conducted after 72 hours but may produce a false-positive result if other benzodiazepines are present in the system.

It works by slowing down brain activity, which can cause extreme sedation, memory loss, and confusion. This drug also impairs motor coordination and relaxes muscles, making it difficult to move or stay alert. One way to prevent being roofied is by keeping your drink with you at all times when you are out and not accepting drinks from strangers.

Today, someone who says they were “roofied” could have had their drink contaminated with any number of substances. If you suspect that you may have been roofied, it is important to take immediate action to ensure your safety and well-being. Trusting your instincts, seeking help and support, and preserving any potential evidence are crucial steps to take in such a situation. Being roofied is a verb form of roofie, commonly used to indicate being drugged by a roofie, or someone’s drink being spiked by a roofie without their knowledge. Roofies are commonly used in clubs, parties, and raves to facilitate sexual violence and sexually assault someone without their consent.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Being Roofied

Rohypnol, also known as flunitrazepam, is a strong central nervous system depressant from the benzodiazepine family. It has legitimate medical uses in some countries, such as for muscle relaxation or as an anesthetic, but it is infamous for its misuse as a date rape drug. The roofied meaning in common conversation points to any instance where someone’s drink is drugged to incapacitate them. The term “roofies” generally refers to a drug called Rohypnol, though it has become a generic term for any substance that is slipped into someone’s drink without their knowledge.

How common are date rape drugs?

By promoting safe spaces, we can work towards preventing incidents of being roofied and creating a culture of safety. They may conduct a urine or blood test to detect the presence of drugs or substances in your system. Prompt medical attention can help mitigate the potential risks and ensure that you receive the necessary care to address any immediate health concerns. It’s important to remember that these symptoms are not exclusive to being roofied and can result from other factors as well. However, if you suspect someone has been roofied based on these signs and symptoms, it’s crucial to take immediate action to ensure their safety and well-being. Recognizing the symptoms of being roofied is crucial for identifying potential danger and seeking help promptly.

If a person has been sexually assaulted after being spiked, they may experience depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), flashbacks, or suicidal thoughts. Drink spiking a person to sexually assault or rape them is also known as alcohol or drug-facilitated sexual assault. Rohypnols, also known as “roofies,” are powerful sedatives that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.

Once intoxication sets in—roughly minutes after ingestion—a person will pass out and remain unconscious for at least a few hours.