The trauma of being roofied can lead to substance misuse as individuals attempt to self-medicate their emotional pain. This cycle of using drugs or alcohol to cope often exacerbates feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. In most cases, the immediate effects of being roofied are temporary, but emotional trauma from the experience can persist. Many individuals report feelings of anxiety, depression, or fear after being roofied. Long-term effects depend on the severity of the experience and whether there was any criminal involvement. Seeking therapy or counselling can help address these feelings and assist in recovery.

• If you are drugged and in a safe place with people you trust, they can act as your eyes, ears, and brain, keeping you safe and seeking care for you before the meds wear off.
• The length of time a roofie can stay in y our system depends on the type of drug used to spike the drink.
• Some of these drugs can be fatal in high doses — especially when combined with alcohol, prescription medications and other substances.
• Recognizing the signs that someone may have been roofied is crucial for ensuring their safety and getting them the help they need.
• However, we also want to point out that while roofies are mostly booming in the party scene, there are also cases of Rohypnol abuse beyond bars and clubs.

Date rape drugs may seem like something coming straight from a crime show. But the sad reality is that it has affected many people and continuously haunts thousands of lives up until this day. Transcend Recovery Community is here to enlighten you about date rape drugs, including vital information you may need about these substances. If you or someone you know has been roofied, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Whether through hotlines, mental health services, or legal assistance, there are numerous resources available to assist survivors in healing from this devastating experience. These drugs are typically odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making them easy to slip into someone’s drink unnoticed.

Victims may also experience feelings of shame or guilt, wondering if they did something to invite the attack. It’s essential to remember that being drugged and assaulted is never the victim’s fault, and anyone who experiences such an event should seek help immediately. It might be unpleasant — especially if you’re nauseated — but it’s crucial to drink lots of water if you’ve been roofied. The more you drink, the faster you’ll be able to dilute and flush the drug from your system. Once you’re in the care of first responders, they’ll take over this process.

• Going to a hospital can help ensure a person gets proper care and monitoring to make sure they are safe.
• However, with roofies, a person might have nausea and vomiting even if they have only had one or two drinks.
• Getting roofied is far more common than many people think, however it is difficult to know exactly how many victims there are since amnesia is often an effect of roofy drugs.
• When slipped into an open drink, all these drugs result in similar symptoms – memory loss, lethargy, a drugged/drunk-like state.

It’s not uncommon for those who’ve been slipped drugs to never really know what actually happened to them. We provide trauma-informed care, Addiction Therapy Programs, and comprehensive support to help individuals process their experience and address any substance misuse or mental health concerns. Signs include sudden disorientation, extreme drowsiness, loss of coordination, memory lapses, slurred speech, nausea, or unconsciousness. If you suspect someone has been roofied, seek medical attention immediately. If you suspect you’ve been roofied, prioritize your safety by seeking immediate medical attention and contacting local authorities.

Rohypnol, or Flunitrazepam, is a central nervous system depressant that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Regardless of why roofies are used on others, any instance of someone using the drug on another person is a criminal offense. In fact, despite being a Schedule IV substance, possession, distribution and manufacturing of Rohypnol carry the same criminal charges as Schedule I substances such as heroin. You can read more here about how long GHB lasts and how to spot signs of GHB spiking. 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.

Signs and Symptoms of Being Given a Date Rape Drug

When ingested, roofies can cause a range of symptoms that severely impair a person’s ability to resist or recall a sexual assault. These symptoms include extreme drowsiness, confusion, and significant memory loss. The drug’s effects on the central nervous system can leave the victim disoriented and defenseless, unable to protect themselves or side effects of being roofied day after remember the events that transpired. Understanding the nature of roofies and their impact is crucial in recognizing and preventing drug-facilitated sexual assault. Being “roofied” is a traumatic and potentially dangerous experience.

Common Roofied Symptoms

It is also important to note that a substance can be slipped into a drink almost instantly, especially if it is in powder form. If someone seems extremely intoxicated, especially if they have only had a couple of drinks, make sure to get them somewhere safe and get help if they need it. Drink spiking can occur within seconds, so it is essential to be observant and careful any time you are out drinking. Since it can be so hard to tell if a drink has been roofied, it is important to keep your own drinks close to you when you are going out and to not accept drinks from strangers. “Roofies” contain Rohypnol or other common date-rape drugs such as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) or ketamine. Other commonly used street names of Rohypnol include roche, ruffied, ruffles, and forget-me drug.

You may likely develop what we refer to as acute stress disorder 4 weeks after the assault. This is a type of anxiety that arises within the first month after a traumatic event. Rohypnol pills easily dissolve in liquids, and they’re tasteless, colorless, and odorless, so the person being roofied won’t detect that there’s something wrong with their drink. Some new pills will leave a blue tinge in the drink, but people can still get colorless drugs. Transcend Recovery Community provides supplemental care and support that a person needs during these crucial times. With sober living, a person can experience support and empowerment from a community that sees and understands their trauma.

Some varieties of Rohypnol turn drinks blue, and GHB can make your drink taste salty. In a study of college students, more than 1 in 13 reported being drugged. If you have concerns about confidentiality, ask the therapist to explain the rules around mandatory reporting. If you don’t receive a consent form to sign before starting treatment, ask for one. However, this is not a reliable way to tell whether your drink has spiked.

Common Slang Names for Cocaine

Sometimes, people who engage in excessive binge drinking may “blackout” and not remember certain things that happened throughout the night the next day. If a person has been sexually assaulted after being spiked, they may experience depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), flashbacks, or suicidal thoughts. When a person is sexually assaulted, it can impact their whole life, including their mental health, physical health, and well-being.

It is also a term to refer to substances that are slipped into people’s drinks without them knowing. The mental and physical health consequences of being roofied can be serious. By taking the above preventative measures and knowing the signs, you can better protect yourself. If you’re struggling to recover from the trauma, FHE Health may be able to help.

We Provide Outpatient Detox & Treatment for Many Substances

However, there need to be precise actions to be taken for you to fully recover from the trauma of this experience. Getting roofied can cause extensive physical and psychological damage, especially if you don’t notice the symptoms early enough. While most people recover from a single episode of being roofied without long-term physical challenges, the psychological impact can be profound. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.

When slipped into an open drink, all these drugs result in similar symptoms – memory loss, lethargy, a drugged/drunk-like state. You can protect yourself by keeping your drink in sight, staying with trusted friends, monitoring your alcohol consumption, and using safety tools like drink covers or test strips. Being roofied is a deeply traumatic experience, but recovery is possible with the right support. If this experience has led to substance misuse or emotional distress, Greater Boston Addiction Centers is here to help.

What Are Roofies?

If you suspect you’ve been drugged or your loved one, consider seeking addiction treatment, proper healthcare, or detox services. Substance misuse, whether intentional or involuntary, can have severe consequences on mental health and overall well-being. Additionally, if symptoms are severe or if there’s a risk of overdose, seek emergency medical care immediately. The term “roofied” refers to being unknowingly drugged, typically with substances like date rape drugs. These drugs are used with malicious intent, often to facilitate sexual assault. Victims of being roofied are frequently left vulnerable, disoriented, and unable to defend themselves.

Why would someone roofie a drink?

Be prepared to provide emotional support even after they’re discharged and the side effects of being roofied start. Remind them that the traumatic event wasn’t their fault, especially if they were sexually assaulted or raped. If you’ve been roofied (or had your drink spiked with drugs), you might experience mental fogginess, muscle relaxation, and blackouts.

Recognizing the signs early and acting quickly can prevent further harm. Predators spike drinks to lower their victims’ defenses or cause them to fall unconscious. Once their victim is defenseless, they can rob or physically or sexually assault them.