— Curious and Concerned

You may be referring to a drug called Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), street-named "roofies," "roachies," "rophies," "ruffies," "roofenol," "roche," "La Rocha," "rope," and "the forget pill." (Rohypnol is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company F. Hoffmann-La Roche.) But as we know, drug street names change all the time. This hypnotic sedative enhances the effects of alcohol: decreased inhibition, sleepiness, and memory loss. However, the drug's medical purpose is quite different; Rohypnol is primarily used as a surgical anesthetic or sleeping pill in about eighty countries, although the United States is not one of them. Drug enforcement officials say that Rohypnol is illegally coming into the United States from Mexico, Colombia, and Europe.

Unfortunately, the use of drugs, mostly alcohol, by sex abusers to sedate their "prey" has been practiced for centuries. Rohypnol is potentially a more dangerous addition to their arsenal. Many other drugs, primarily from the same family of drugs as Rohypnol (benzodiazepines), can also be used as "rape drugs." Beware. Rohypnol is a cheap and powerful drug — a white, dime-sized pill that dissolves quickly in alcoholic and other beverages, such as soft drinks. Known as a "date rape drug" in high schools, on college campuses, and in other communities across the country, it's being used (mostly by men, according to recent criminal cases) to secretly sedate and sexually assault women and men. Roofie is dropped into drinks at bars and parties, leaving roofie recipients open to suggestion, physically weak, and perhaps most troubling of all, without memory of events that transpire after the drug takes effect. This has made prosecution of "roofie-rape" cases challenging, as people report waking up naked and alone in strange hotel rooms, for example, without any idea of how they got there and who was involved. And, it doesn't stop there. One of the newer club drugs, GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), is also being slipped into drinks and has become known as "Easy Lay." GHB, which produces psychedelic effects for the recreational user, has a sedating effect at higher doses.

Rohypnol creates a bitter taste when dissolved in alcohol. By now, lots of red warning lights should be flashing in your head. For starters, be aware of the color, texture, and taste of your drinks; accepting pre-purchased, open drinks of any kind from strangers and casual acquaintances should be avoided (unfortunately, this may harken back to mom and dad saying, "Don't accept candy from strangers"). Rohypnol's misuse also makes it advisable not to leave drinks unattended, even in familiar surroundings.

There is good news about Rohypnol: its manufacturer recently reformulated the drug to make it more detectable. When put in a light-colored drink, new Rohypnol will now turn the beverage bright blue. Consumers of darker-colored beverages should be tipped off by a cloudy appearance. The drug will also dissolve more slowly and form small chunky pieces (how pleasant). Keep in mind that it may take a while for this new Rohypnol to hit the streets.

It's possible for people who were sexually assaulted and suspect that they were drugged to be tested for the presence of Rohypnol and other drugs. These drugs can usually be detected in urine for about three days after ingestion, sometimes even a little longer. However, the sooner someone is tested, the better. Most rape crisis centers and hospitals will be able to run these tests.

This may be a big drag, but until roofie is run out of town, or loses its status as a drug of the day, prevention and education is the best way to protect yourself and others. So, spread the word.

For more information on date rape drugs, such as Rohypnol and GHB, log onto the Sexual Assault Information Page Website, or contact a rape crisis center. If you are at Columbia or Barnard, you can call the Barnard-Columbia Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center at x4-HELP (-4357) or x4-WALK (-9255).

Alice

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