One of the scariest and saddest realities I’ve faced has been the realization that being drugged is something I must be aware of as a college-aged woman. Rohypnol, a common date-rape drug also known as the forget-me pill, is something often slipped into women’s drinks to make it easier for rape or sexual assault to occur. Even if a sexual assault does not occur, being roofied is a very dangerous and scary experience. Rohypnol relaxes you, but not in the way yoga or a nice shower does, many times people experience a loss of consciousness, loss of inhibitions, and trouble controlling their muscles. Like any other drug, reactions to Rohypnol differ from person to person. Rohypnol is a small white pill that takes effect within 15-20 minutes The drug has no taste or smell and easily dissolves into liquid, making it nearly impossible to detect.
You often hear parents talk about college parties. Anyone can be roofied. As I mentioned earlier, the drug is not something you can see. Growing up, women are often taught to keep their drink close and not accept drinks from a stranger. While this is good advice, incidents still occur. In a new study from three U.S campuses, about 1 in 13 college students have reported being drugged or suspect they have been drugged. Since drink spiking is still a concern, there has been a desire for more products to be created that would help prevent and detect unwanted substances in drinks. During my research, I was only able to find two legitimate products currently on the market. I decided to share them with you all as I do think it is something in which you and your friends should invest.
Nightcap
This dual-functioning scrunchie is perfect to bring on the go. You can easily wear it on your wrist or in your hair. When you get a drink, simply pull the drink cover out of the scrunchie holder and place it over your cup. Nightcap helps to prevent any substance from being slipped into your drink.
Test My Drink
These personal test strips are designed to detect the presence of Gamma Hydroxybutyrate and Ketamine in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. All you need to do is place a drop of your beverage onto both spots of one test. Gently smear and wait until dry. If either of the spots turns a darker blue color appears the test has come back positive. These strips provide rapid results and are convenient in size.
While these two products may not seem like a lot in the grand scheme of things, there are many similar products with the same goal currently being developed and approved. This is sadly an issue I don’t see going away anytime soon. For now, get yourself a Nightcap or Test My Drink set to be extra cautious when out. Stay with your friends, check on one another, and hopefully one day being taken advantage of will no longer be an issue.
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/date-rape-drugs