Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault can happen to anyone, by anyone, and occurs when alcohol or drugs are used to compromise an individual’s ability to consent to sexual activity. These substances (also known as “date rape drugs”) can lower inhibitions, reduce a person’s ability to resist, and affect memory - making it easier for perpetrators to commit sexual assault.
It is important to note that any drug, in certain amounts, can leave you helpless.
- Alcohol remains the most commonly used substance in crimes of sexual assault.
- Prescription medications such as sleep aids, anxiety medication, muscle relaxers, and tranquilizers may also be used.
- GHB, Rohypnol (Roofies), Ecstasy, and Ketamine can be added to drinks without changing the color, flavor, or odor. Alcohol is also known to enhance the effects of these substances.
How will I know if I’ve been drugged?
There are other factors that influence how a drug will affect someone, making it difficult to predict exactly how a particular individual will react. These range from weight, gender, and metabolism to drug type, dosage, and whether there is a mixture of alcohol and/or other drugs. Being familiar with the following warning signs can help alert you to the ingestion of any of these substances since they are typically tasteless, odorless, and colorless.
- Difficulty breathing
- Feeling drunk when you have consumed little to no alcohol
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Nausea
- Sudden body temperature change that could be signaled by sweating or chattering teeth
- Sudden increase in dizziness, disorientation, or blurred vision
- Waking up with no memory, or missing large portions of memory
If you believe you, or someone you know, has ingested any of these substances, seek help immediately. You can contact 9-1-1, go to your nearest Emergency Room, or contact the Union County Rape Crisis Center at 908.233.7273.
If it is an acute sexual assault (meaning it happened within the last 7 days), then it is considered S.A.R.T. applicable. Any of our CSVAs can explain the process for you, or you can click here to read more.
To learn more about drug-facilitated sexual assault and/or date rape drugs, visit the links below:
DEA -
Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault