How to Know If You've Been the Victim of a Date Rape Drug

The so-called date rape drug is actually a group of several powerful sedatives that affect behavior and impair impairment. The drugs can be slipped into drinks from soda to alcohol, though in combination with alcohol the effects are even more pronounced. Victims may not even know that they were drugged, and often don't immediately know or remember if they've been sexually assaulted or raped. Here's what to do if you suspect you've been drugged.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Try to think of the last thing you remember. Ask anyone you were with if they remember you becoming dramatically sleepy or otherwise impaired. Write down as much as you and your friends can recall about the situation.
2. Make your first call to your local rape crisis center, or call the national version known as the Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (see Resources below). Their counselors will direct you to local assistance quickly.
   
   
3. The medical staff at the hospital the rape crisis center recommends will take a urine sample. Though some date rape drugs can leave the urinary tract in as little as 6 hours, others take 36 to 72 hours to leave the urine or bloodstream.
4. Have your notes with you when you talk to the police. These details will be important for the police to find the perpetrator, and aid the district attorney in prosecuting the crime.

Tips & Warnings

• Date rape drugs, which include Rohypnol, GHB, GBL, and Benzodiazepines among others, are notorious for their fast metabolism, meaning that by the time you realize you've been assaulted, the drug is on its way out of your body. So get medical assistance quickly.
• Don't let fear of exposure hinder your prompt reporting of a crime. Your privacy and confidentiality will be protected.
• Don't pretend it didn't happen. Rape is not only a serious crime, but its victims suffer tremendously when not allowed to seek advocacy assistance and counseling.