How to Recover from Being Roofied: What to Expect

The signs and symptoms of being roofied closely mimic those of simply having consumed too much alcohol, particularly if consumed in combination with cannabis products. This means it can be difficult to discern the difference, in some cases, between someone who’s been slipped drugs and someone who’s overindulged. Feelings of euphoria are also common how to know if you got roofied in the initial stages, particularly among those who are also consuming alcohol. Since spiking a drink aims to make the victim helpless, most drugs used to roofie cause muscle relaxation. Thus, alcohol is the most common and readily available date rape drug. A 2015 study found that more than 30% of sexual assault incidences involve drugs used to roofie.

Roofies and Sexual Assault

• It is also important not to wash yourself or any clothing from the night before to avoid damaging potential evidence.
• Perpetrators will use the colorless tablets to conceal their aims.
• This sensation isn’t just about the physical realm, but your mental wellbeing too!
• Memory loss isn’t a symptom you’ll notice as a roofie takes effect.
• We’ll cover the signs of being roofied, its prevalence, what to do if you suspect you’ve been a victim, and other roofie prevention tips and considerations.
• It is also important to go out with people you trust and ensure everyone looks out for each other.

Remember what your drink looks and tastes like to identify even the smallest changes. Some varieties of Rohypnol turn drinks blue, and GHB can make your drink taste salty. GHB is a white powder that’s colorless and odorless when dissolved in a drink.

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‘Being roofied’ means someone was unknowingly given drugs before being sexually assaulted or raped. If you feel comfortable, consider contacting a professional for further support. This might mean visiting a local health clinic, contacting mental health professionals, or reaching out to a dedicated crisis hotline. Many organizations offer specialized services for individuals who have experienced substance-related incidents. They can guide you through the next steps and offer resources designed to help you recover.

Benzos and other drugs can be extremely dangerous, especially when mixed with other substances or given to someone when they are unaware of it. Its effects, like sedation and memory loss, usually last 6 to 12 hours. In blood, it can be found for about a day, and in urine for a few days. Being roofied can make a person really sick, especially when they are given a drug in combination with alcohol, or they are taking prescription drugs already. When a person is roofied, the effects commonly begin within 10 to 20 minutes. These effects can make it more difficult for victims to escape dangerous situations.

Roofies typically take around 20 minutes to kick in, and side effects can last up to 12 hours. Rohypnol, or flunitrazepam, has powerful effects on the brain, including slowing down brain activity. It also slows breathing, which can be dangerous or even fatal, especially if combined with alcohol or other sedatives. Sometimes, a bitter or salty taste to your drink can be a sign that someone has added something to your drink without your consent. In high doses, a person can become unconscious and may not remember what happened to them.

Taking pregnancy prevention medication is usually advised in this scenario, and hospital staff can use a rape kit that can help prove the guilt of the person who assaulted you. Don’t shower or bathe until prior to going to the hospital, as it could destroy evidence. Always keep your drink within sight, accept drinks only from trusted sources, use drink-testing tools, stay with a group, and trust your instincts. From Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to specialized addiction support, our experienced team is dedicated to helping you regain control of your life. If you or someone you know has experienced trauma and is struggling with substance use, contact Greater Boston Addiction Centers today. Our team is here to support you every step of the way as you work toward a healthier, more empowered future.

These medications are generally odorless and tasteless and can be placed into drinks without the victim’s knowledge, resulting in quick disorientation, memory loss, and even coma. If you have ever felt this before, then knowing the warning signs of being Roofied, how to prevent it, and what steps to take is critical for your own and others’ safety. However, it will likely need to involve both physical and mental care.

Other commonly used street names of Rohypnol include roche, ruffied, ruffles, and forget-me drug. It causes deep sedation, loss of motor control, and memory issues. The term roofies also usually implies that someone was given a drug to make them more vulnerable to a crime. If anything from this article resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Knowledge is power, and by being proactive, you can protect yourself and others.

How Long Does GHB Last?

Or, you may wake up in an unexpected location and not remember how you got there. Receive weekly insights to help you and your loved ones on your road to recovery. If you feel unsure or uncomfortable, it’s important to prioritize your well-being. Trying to ignore the experience or pretend it didn’t happen can make the symptoms much worse and last longer.

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. In the sections that follow, you’ll find important safety information that will help you better protect yourself from the dangers of being roofied. We’ll cover the signs of being roofied, its prevalence, what to do if you suspect you’ve been a victim, and other roofie prevention tips and considerations. Getting roofied can cause extensive physical and psychological damage, especially if you don’t notice the symptoms early enough.

Finding Expert Help for Roofied Abuse? Call GBAC!

The drug most commonly used in roofies, Rohypnol, is illegal in the United States and is classified as a Schedule IV substance under the Controlled Substances Act. The only sure way to tell if you have been roofied is by seeking medical help and getting tested for any drugs in your system. Getting involved with therapy and support groups can help victims recover faster and more fully from the trauma of their experience. The half-life of a drug refers to the amount of time it takes for the active substance of a drug in your body to reduce by half.

• 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.
• One small tablet of Rohypnol can cause a person to pass out and forget what happened to them while under the influence.
• A fun night out can become a nightmare when you suddenly experience roofied symptoms.
• Someone who has been roofied will feel extremely intoxicated very quickly.
• If someone does not consent to a sexual act at any point, dating or not, then it is assault.
• “Roofies” contain Rohypnol or other common date-rape drugs such as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) or ketamine.

If you have been sexually assaulted, it is also important to seek medical help so you can get care and also take exams if you do want to report the assault. When a person gets roofied, they may feel extremely drunk and “blackout,” where they temporarily lose memory or consciousness. Roofies cause extreme drowsiness, blackouts, reduced inhibitions, and impaired judgment that can make a person unaware and unresisting to sexual assault. Most often, people refer to being roofied when it occurs in the form of drink spiking. Understanding the what and how of “date rape drugs” improves your odds of avoiding it.

A date rape panel drug test can test for substances like GHB, ketamine, and different benzodiazepines like Rohypnol. Once taken, roofie drugs can cause effects that put someone in danger very quickly. Always holding your drink or keeping it close to you and covered can help reduce the risk of a drug getting slipped into your drink. It can be difficult to tell when someone has slipped a drug into your drink because roofies are often tasteless, odorless, and colorless.

FAQ on Recognizing and Responding to Being Roofied

Sunlight Recovery’s experts can help you deal with roofied symptoms by providing individual and group therapy sessions. If the person is unconscious, ask the doctors to test for date rape drugs in their system. Since some drugs take more than 10 hours to leave the system, the doctors may be able to detect the exact roofie drug that was administered and provide the appropriate treatment. However, you can be roofied through substances such as marijuana and cocaine. Over-the-counter or prescription sleeping medicines and antidepressants are also effective roofie drugs.

However, roofies are just one type of the many drugs used to sedate victims. Victims may not realize they’ve been drugged until after the effects wear off, which can be incredibly dangerous since they will not get the healthcare they need quickly. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a support hotline, having a supportive ear can make a world of difference. Express clearly what you’re feeling and why you suspect something might not be right.