Date rape drugs are substances like Rohypnol or GHB. They're usually slipped unnoticed into drinks at bars, clubs, raves and other parties. Sexual predators use them to incapacitate you, leaving you weakened, helpless or unconscious -- unable to escape or resist an assault or even to call out for help. When the drug wears off, your memory may be impaired, especially if the drink the drug was slipped into contained alcohol. In fact, mixing these drugs with alcohol can be deadly. Listed below are some of the most popular drugs used by perpetrators of drug-facilitated sexual assault.

GHB - Gamma hydroxybutyrate

• Also known as "Liquid G," "G," "Georgia Home Boy," "Easy Lay," and "Grievous Bodily Harm."
• Comes in either a pure powder form or cam be mixed in with a liquid. It is available on the street in small plastic bottles, about the size and shape of hotel shampoo, small mouthwash or Visine bottles.
• GHB effects can be felt within 15 minutes after ingestion. In small amounts it produces effects similar to alcohol, however, in larger doses in can have a hallucinatory effect and cause headaches, shaking, spasms, seizures, drowsiness, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and vomiting. Mixed with alcohol, GHB can cause the central nervous system to shut down, lead to loss of consciousness, and possibly result in a coma or death.

Rohypnol

• Brand name for flunitrazepam, also known as "roofies" or "roaches."
• Rohypnol effects begin within 30 minutes, peak within 2 hours, and may persist for up to 8 hours or more, depending upon the dosage. Adverse effects include memory impairment, amnesia, drowsiness, visual disturbances, dizziness, impaired motor skills and judgment, slurred speech, confusion, gastrointestinal disturbances, and urinary retention

Ketamine

• Also known as "K", "Vitamin K" or "Special K."
• Usually comes as a liquid in its pharmaceutical form, but is also found in powder or pill forms. The drug can be snorted, swallowed or injected.
• Ketamine causes the person to feel as if her mind is “separated” from her body. The drug causes a combination of amnesia and hallucinations. Also, it stops the feeling of pain and lowers the heart rate leading to oxygen starvation to the brain and muscles. Temporary paralysis, though rare, has been reported in some users.

Ecstacy

• Also known as MDMA and is called "Adam," "XTC," "Bean," "E," "M," and "Roll" on the street.
• Ecstasy comes in a tablet that is often branded.
• Ecstasy causes psychological difficulties, including confusion, depression, sleep problems, drug craving, severe anxiety, and paranoia-during and sometimes weeks after taking Ecstasy, physical symptoms such as muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, rapid eye movement, faintness, and chills or sweating.

Ways to Protect Yourself

• Don't go to parties alone or to parties where you don't know anyone.
• Watch your drink at all times and don't leave it unattended. Take your drink with you wherever you go, even to the rest room. If you do leave your drink unattended, throw it out and make a new one.
• Don't accept a drink from anyone you don't know and trust. At a bar or club, accept drinks only from the bartender, waiter or waitress. If someone offers to buy you a drink, go with him or her to the bar and watch the bartender make your drink.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Always use the "buddy system" and never leave your friends behind.
• Watch your friends' drink if they are not alert.
• Do not accept open container drinks from anyone or drink anything out of a punch bowl.
• Monitor the behavior of friends who seem more intoxicated than the amount of alcohol would warrant.
• If you hear someone "kidding" about date rape drugs, pay attention. That should be a warning to leave that party or individual.
• If you suspect that you've been drugged and sexually assaulted, seek medical attention immediately.
• For more information, please call The Rape Crisis Center at 366-1640.