How to Tell When a Teen Is Using Rohypnol

Rohypnol is an extremely potent tranquilizer, widely referred to as a "roofie," which is well-known for its use as a date rape drug. It is also popular among teens for recreational use in combination with other drugs, often used to augment the intensity of the high from a substance like cocaine or heroin. Because rohypnol is a relatively inexpensive and very easy for teens to obtain, it's essential that parents know how to tell when a teen may be abusing the drug.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Know what rohypnol looks like so that you will be able to tell if your teen has it in her possession. Rohypnol is produced in tablet form and is usually a small white pill with a line across the surface and the word "Roche" etched into one side of it. The numbers 1 or 2 may appear on the other side of the pill. It is usually about the size and shape of an aspirin pill, so it's important to look for these markings to distinguish between the different pills.
2. Keep in mind that rohypnol easily dissolves in almost any liquid, including alcoholic beverages, coffee, carbonated drinks and fruit juices. The drug is colorless and does not have a detectable taste or smell, which is partially why it is so dangerous as a date rape drug. These characteristics may make it difficult to tell if your teen is using rohypnol by mixing it into liquids he is drinking, which makes it even more imperative to keep a close watch on any medications stored in your home.
3. Check to see if your teen is using rohypnol in combination with other drugs. If you are aware that your teen has abused drugs in the past or is currently suffering from a drug problem, remember that rohypnol may be used in association with other stimulants. Some teens use it to increase the high experienced from cocaine and heroin use or to help reduce negative side effects and withdrawal symptoms from these substances.
4. Notice if your teen is acting overly drowsy or relaxed. Rohypnol has heavily sedating effects, which may cause the muscles to feel relaxed and slow the normal motor responses of a person. This type of sedation may also be accompanied by slurred speech from your teen that may last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours.
5. Take all issues with memory loss in your teen very seriously, as blackouts are a widespread symptom when using rohypnol. A blackout generally refers to a complete loss of memory though the person experiencing it may appear to be conscious for the duration. If the person does appear to be awake, he may still seem extremely disoriented and have difficulty speaking or moving.

Tips & Warnings

• Rohypnol usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes to take effect when used and then may last anywhere between 8 to 12 hours. It is considered to be several times stronger than Valium, a similar type of sedative.