Rohypnol, more commonly known as “roofies” or “date-rape drug” is a tranquilizing Benzodiazepine that creates an intense sedative effect and is often used in sexual assaults. This drug is illegal for medical use in the United States, yet abusers still manage to find ways to use and obtain it.
Rohypnol, also known by its generic name Flunitrazepam, is a highly sedative Benzodiazepine with no current medical use in the US. Like other Benzos, this drug slows and depresses the central nervous system, causing a relaxing, sedative effect. Rohypnol was first used to help treat insomnia or to tranquilize a patient before a surgery and is still used for short-term treatment for sleep disorders in various countries.
This sedative drug has comparable effects to Valium, however is thought to be 10x more potent. The intense tranquilizing effects Rohypnol produces is why it is referred to as the “date-rape drug” and is often combined with sexual assault. It can be taken orally, crushed and snorted, injected, or dissolved into liquid. Rohypnol has no taste or smell, and therefore can easily get dissolved into a drink without any signs on it.
Though this drug has no current legal status in the United States, it is still readily available for abusers and can cause negative and dangerous side effects when taken, or when given to another individual.
When taken in high dosages, Rohypnol can produce effects within 30 minutes and peak within 2 hours, with effects lasting between 8-12 hours. When someone has taken Rohypnol, they typically lose consciousness and lack the muscle coordination and ability to stop anything that might happen to them.
The effects of Rohypnol can be highly dangerous and include:
The most severe symptoms of Rohypnol use and abuse can include overdose, coma and death.
Although Rohypnol is more commonly known as being given to others unknowingly, many individuals abuse this drug for its sedative effects. This may lead to a destructive addiction. Those who frequently abuse or have become addicted to this drug, are likely to experience symptoms such as nightmares, headaches, extreme drowsiness, memory impairments and confusion, and tremors.
Physical dependence, tolerance and withdrawal effects are all signs of Rohypnol addiction. When this drug is taken continuously, the user may begin to need the substance for normal functioning and may begin taking more of the substance to reach the same effect, building a higher tolerance. They may also experience withdrawal effects after stopping the use of the drug. Withdrawal symptoms from Rohypnol include:
The most severe symptoms of Rohypnol use and abuse can include overdose, coma and death.
Although Rohypnol is more commonly known as being given to others unknowingly, many individuals abuse this drug for its sedative effects. This may lead to a destructive addiction. Those who frequently abuse or have become addicted to this drug, are likely to experience symptoms such as nightmares, headaches, extreme drowsiness, memory impairments and confusion, and tremors.
Physical dependence, tolerance and withdrawal effects are all signs of Rohypnol addiction. When this drug is taken continuously, the user may begin to need the substance for normal functioning and may begin taking more of the substance to reach the same effect, building a higher tolerance. They may also experience withdrawal effects after stopping the use of the drug. Withdrawal symptoms from Rohypnol include:
Many people who abuse Rohypnol do so by combining it with other drugs, such as alcohol or marijuana. Mixing Rohypnol with other drugs can cause highly dangerous effects that can lead to fatalities.
As with any other substance use disorder, Rohypnol addiction can lead to extremely negative health concerns and outcomes, and overcoming this disorder may require professional treatment to ensure a safe recovery.
Rohypnol has its commonly known name “date rape” for a reason. Due to its highly sedative effects, and its lack of smell and taste, it is often mixed into drinks unknowingly. Many Rohypnol abusers mix it into other people’s drinks with the intention of sexually assaulting the unconscious individual. The effects of Rohypnol make it almost impossible for the victim to fight against the assault, or give any type of consent.
Memory impairment is often an effect from taking Rohypnol, and therefore the victims of drug induced sexual assault will likely not remember what happened to them. Committing sexual assault to an intoxicated person is a crime, and can cause the victim to suffer with severe trauma and emotional health issues.
If you or someone you love are dealing with Rohypnol addiction or abuse, there are treatment options available. Contact Quit Addiction Now (888-974-2973) to end your addiction today.
