Date Rape Drugs

What are Date Rape Drugs?

Ketamine

Predatory drugs or date rape drugs are responsible for the creation of the most dangerous and pathologic environment that exists around drug use and drug abuse.  Predatory drugs are a general class of drug that are primarily used to "render the victim incapable of resisting sexual advances". (U.S. DEA)

This statement does not imply that the drug makes a person desire sexual activity, but quite the opposite. Predatory drugs leave the victim helpless, possibly unconscious, but certainly without any memory of  a crime being committed against him/her. It can not be emphasized enough that giving someone a predatory drug is not only morally reprehensible it is also a serious criminal act.  Illicit use of date rape drugs involve some of the most pathologic criminals who are involved with our justice system.

What is Date Rape Drug Addiction?

So called date rape drugs are also found at rave parties, clubs, college parties, and even in high school social environments. They are potent drugs that can cause serious health problems, developmental problems, overdose and death. To further complicate the effects of these drugs, many are produced in illegal labs. Illicit production of drugs means there is no quality control standards.  The lack of quality control standards can greatly diminish the purity of the drugs and leaves the user vulnerable to harsh chemicals and possibly overdose. Most of the chemicals found in date rape drugs are not intended for human consumption.

The number of drugs that are considered predatory drugs is increasing. To date, the most commonly used are:

• GHB - GBH’s chemical name is gama hydroxybutyrate and is currently a DEA schedule 1 drug that has central nervous system depressant effects.
• GBL/1 - GBL is a pro-drug of GHB and produces the same effects.
• 4-BD - The chemical name of 4-BD is 1,4-Butanediol and is used industrially as a solvent.  When taken recreationally, it produces the same effects as GHB.
• Ketamine - Ketamine, or special K, as it is known on the streets, is a type of anesthetic known as a dissociative anesthetic and is approved for human and veterinarian use.  When taken recreationally, it produces euphoria and hallucinations.
• Rohypnol - The generic name of Rohypnol is flunitrazepam and it is marketed as a potent hypnotic, sedative, and it produces amnesia.  It is in the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.

Some of these drugs are made from industrial strength floor cleansers, lye, and Dranno and can cause brain damage.

Signs and Symptoms Date Rape Drugs Addiction

The regular use of drugs such as GHB/GBL used to lower inhibitions can create significant side effects.  The most common side effects produced by the recreational use of date rape drugs are:

• Psychosis and severe agitation requiring self-protection procedures and sedation
• Mild tachycardia (increased heart rate) and hypertension
• Neurologic effects, including prolonged delirium
• Hallucinations
• Diaphoresis (profuse sweating), nausea, and vomiting
• Overdose, coma, and death

Because of the memory loss associated with these drugs, the user can be prone to use again and again without memory of severe side effects. Once used regularly, date rate drugs could also lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms will require medical attention and medication.

Beyond the physical dependence an emotional dependence can quickly develop. Once regular use begins an addict can experience personality changes which may result in aggressive behavior, a disregard for authority, a disregard for personal safety, risky sexual behavior, a loss of boundaries, financial difficulties, problems at school or work, a change in friends, and the loss of interest in normal activities.

No one plans on becoming an addict but the power of drugs on the brain's functioning, accompanied by the alterations in the neuroreceptors, drives the addiction process. It is not about choice or desire once the body's systems have been affected. Date rape drugs or predatory drugs are extraordinarily powerful both in their addictive qualities and the serious, negative, health consequences that accompany regular use.

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If you have been taking GHB or other date rape or predatory drugs, you need medical help. A medically based detox is necessary to protect you as you withdraw from the drugs. Then, medically based addiction treatment is needed to address the issues related to addiction, addictive behavior, addictive thinking, triggers, daily stressors, and more.

Recovery Connection is here to help you address your addiction problems. Let our addiction coordinators help you find local and private detox and treatment programs. Call , 24/7. All calls are confidential.