Hansen, the woman drugged at an Austin bar, said she’s still speaking with a therapist to work through her trauma. Remind yourself that this all too commonly happens ― to women and men, and to people of all ages, not just college students ― and that you’re not alone or to blame for the violence done to you. Most of all, don’t underestimate the stress and trauma of your experience. If you don’t know who to go to, or how you’ll afford therapy, call your local rape crisis center. “You can make all other decisions about reporting, pursuing an investigation later once you are medically safe and back to complete coherence,” Michonski added. Definitely don’t attempt to “ride it out” without medical assistance, and don’t keep information to yourself, Michonski said.

What Does a Roofied Drink Look Like?

Sometimes roofie attacks can happen for other types of crime, like robbery or assault. This makes it difficult for the person to signs you were roofied recall what happened to them after they took the drug. Rohypnol, or Flunitrazepam, is a central nervous system depressant that belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. “Roofies” is a term to refer to substances that are slipped into people’s drinks without them knowing.

Typically, you might start to feel the impact within 10 to 20 minutes after the drug is ingested. Remember, if you suspect that you have been roofied, it is crucial to seek help and support immediately. These aftereffects can be emotionally and physically draining, leaving you questioning your experience. Rohypnol, the drug often referred to as a roofie, primarily affects your central nervous system, which controls many essential functions. The responsibility lies solely with the person who spiked your drink.

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• The more you drink, the faster you’ll be able to dilute and flush the drug from your system.
• Today, someone who says they were “roofied” could have had their drink contaminated with any number of substances.
• Knowing these synonyms can help you stay alert and recognize discussions or warnings about drink spiking in social settings.
• The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.

The date-rape drug you’ve likely heard about most is Rohypnol, which the ’90s slang “roofie” is a remnant of. If a person wants to spike your drink, they may try to mask the saltiness with a strong alcoholic beverage or a sweet liqueur. Without consent, the activity is illegal, whether you drank alcohol, took drugs, or both. Many drugs can alter your mental and physical functioning enough to qualify as date rape drugs.

How You Feel the Day After Being Spiked

When you wake, you’ll still have some symptoms, including amnesia. Sandstone Care supports teens and young adults with mental health and substance use disorders. Consider reaching out to a trusted friend, healthcare provider, or counselor for support.

Date Rape & Sexual Assault Support Resources

A roofied drink is one in which a drug has been surreptitiously added, leaving the unsuspecting consumer at risk. In many cases, perpetrators use roofies or other drugs to incapacitate their victims. Date rape is a form of sexual assault that occurs during social situations, such as dates, parties, or gatherings.

• This isn’t just about getting help for potential physical injuries; medical professionals can also run tests to check for drugs.
• Sometimes, a person who has been roofied may be extremely drunk.
• These effects can last for several hours, leaving the individual vulnerable during that time.
• “Their body may be sore, or they may feel that they have had intercourse that they don’t remember.”
• Dr. Byron McQuirt leads works closely with our addictionologist, offering holistic, evidence-based mental health and addiction care while educating future professionals.

Whether it’s talking with others, seeking professional help, or even joining support groups, you’ll find your path towards recovery. You’ve got the right to your feelings and the steps you take to care for yourself. Don’t hesitate to document what you remember. Many organizations offer specialized services for individuals who have experienced substance-related incidents. This might mean visiting a local health clinic, contacting mental health professionals, or reaching out to a dedicated crisis hotline. If you feel comfortable, consider contacting a professional for further support.

Take our quiz to see if you or a loved one needs substance use or mental health support.

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. While most people recover from a single episode of being roofied without long-term physical challenges, the psychological impact can be profound. Many common date rape drugs come in the form of pills, powders, or liquids. The drugs commonly used to spike drinks are central nervous system depressants, which means they slow down brain activity, leading to various physical and mental impairments.

They’re fast-acting drugs that take effect in minutes. Roofies are a type of benzodiazepine, a group of drugs that affect brain chemicals and slow the central nervous system. You won’t remember what happened after taking the drug. If you feel unsure or uncomfortable, it’s important to prioritize your well-being. These substances are particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol, increasing the risk of overdose, unconsciousness, and assault.

These days, would-be attackers dose drinks with a wide variety of different drugs. Today, the most common drugs for roofie attacks are gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and ketamine. Today, someone who says they were “roofied” could have had their drink contaminated with any number of substances. 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.

These effects 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. The attacker may also use force, threats, or take advantage of the victim’s impaired state to commit the assault. It’s also crucial to report the incident to law enforcement, especially if you suspect foul play or assault. These effects can last for several hours, leaving the individual vulnerable during that time.

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Professional therapy, support groups, and mental health programs can play a significant role in your recovery process. Outpatient drug rehab in Atlanta offers specialized support for individuals facing these challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling with these long-term effects, seeking professional help is crucial. By following these simple tips, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to roofieing.

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. These symptoms are similar to those you’d feel if you drank too much. If you’re feeling distressed in the days, weeks, months or even years after being drugged, reach out for help. They can also perform drug and alcohol testing using blood or urine specimens. Also, try to save the beverage you were drinking; it could potentially be tested to see what you were drugged with.

Why would someone roofie a drink?

He has served as a clinical director, clinician, and supervisor for mental health pro- grams in acute, sub-acute, and outpatient facilities, and in primary care. Dr. Nelson has worked in the behavioral health field for more than 22 years. As chief Clinical Officer at FHE Health, a nationally recognized behavioral health treatment provider, he ensures quality, innovation, and comprehensive treatment for patients. Chris Foy is a content manager and webmaster for FHE Health with years of experience in the addiction treatment industry…read more

How long do roofies last?

Remember, if you experience any signs of having been roofied, reach out to a trusted friend, contact medical professionals immediately, and report the incident to law enforcement. Since roofies can cause lasting impairment, it is important to seek medical help if you experience any lingering symptoms. Because these drugs are so potent, the effects of roofies can come on quickly and last for several hours, leaving you vulnerable during that time.

If you see someone you don’t know but suspect may have been roofied, then notify security or a member of the bar staff. If you are with a friend who you suspect has been roofied then it is important to stay with them and make sure they are safe. While it is never the victim’s fault for being exposed to roofies, some steps can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming a victim. However, if you are in any doubt as to whether you have been the victim of date rape, then you must contact the emergency services to report a potential crime and to seek medical attention.

Potential Long-Term Effects of Roofies or Date Rape Drugs

I believe I was drugged with GHB — or ‘liquid ecstasy,’ as it’s also known,” Hansen said. Suspecting she’d been roofied ― or that something else was seriously wrong with their new co-worker ― Hansen’s group acted fast, calling an ambulance to pick her up. Still, you’re not likely to remember what happened while under the drug’s effect. However, it’s often involved in sexual attacks. Roofie specifically refers Rohypnol, which is sometimes called the original date rape drug.

This unsettling experience can be incredibly confusing and scary, but there are steps you can follow to protect yourself and seek the help you need. Remember, the key to recovery is dialogue, whether with friends or professionals, to help you process the experience and ensure your safety moving forward! Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, don’t hesitate to get the support you need. Don’t brush it off as just feeling under the weather. Maybe friends noted you were acting differently, or you couldn’t remember parts of the night.