Sexual Assault Substance Screening
If you suspect that you have ingested a substance you should report for testing immediately as the detection window for these drugs can be very small.
Suspected Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault
According to the U.S. Department of Justice a woman in America is raped every two minutes. On average it is reported that 55% of women were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the attack occurred. There are several substances an attacker may use to impair their victim, below are some of the most common substances found in the victim’s system after an acquaintance rape (date rape).
Click on a substance below to learn more.
C-DAT offers full or partial panels if you suspect you may have been victim to Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault.
Rohypnol
What is Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)
Rohypnol is a powerful pharmaceutical drug that is commonly referred to as “roofies”, “roche”, “R-2”, “rib” and “rope”. Rohypnol was designed as a sleeping pill but has found it’s way in the hands of attackers hoping to unknowingly slip it into a victim’s beverage.
What are the effects of Rohypnol?
Rohypnol produces several side effects including:
- Amnesia (Loss of Memory)
- Black-outs
- Tiredness
- Muscle relaxation
- Problems with vision
- Disorientation
- Dizziness or Confusion
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Disinhibition
Gamma-Hydroxybutyerate
What is GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyerate)?
Sold typically in powdered, liquid or capsule form GHB was originally developed as an anesthetic. GHB has many street names including: “G”, “Liquid E”, Liquid X”, “Gook”, “Soap”, or “Scoop”. It usually is tasteless, but may be recognized at times by a salty taste. In the last few years it has been gaining popularity as a “recreational” drug offering an alcohol-like, hangover free “high” with possible prosexual effects (disinhibition often occurs and inhibitions are suppressed).
What are the effects of GHB?
Side effects can occur within 30 minutes after initial ingestion and don’t typically last more than two to three hours. GHB can be unpredictable and the severity of the side effects can be does-dependent. A sever reaction can occur when combined with other substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, opiates, anticonvulsant and allergy remedies.
Other side effects of GHB may include:
- Giddiness
- Temporary Amnesia
- Affected mobility and speech
- Diarrhea
- Seizure
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness or Confusion
- Coma
- Sleep-Walking
- Death
Ketamine
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is designed as an anesthetic that has been approved for use with both animals and humans, however, it has been primarily used as a veterinary anesthethic. Abuse of the drug gained popularity when users discovered that it produced effects similar hallucinogenic properties to those associated with PCP (Phencyclidine). Because of its anesthetic properties, ketamine also reportedly has been used by sexual predators to incapacitate their intended victims.
What are the effects of Ketamine?
Ketamine can cause a multitude of effects. Distorted perceptions and the feeling out of control of motor functions and reality are common. Users may suffer long-term mental and physical issues. The effects may impair an individual’s senses, judgment, and coordination for up to 24 hours after the drug is taken even though the drug’s hallucinogenic effects usually last for only 45 to 90 minutes.
Other side effects of Ketamine may include:
- Blurred vision
- Distorted hearing
- Feeling “disconnected”
- Impaired judgment
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Amnesia
- Respiratory issues
- Impaired motor function
- High blood pressure
Ethyl Alcohol
What is Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol)?
Ethyl Alcohol is most consumed in one of a few different types of alcoholic beverages – beer, wine, distilled liquor. Ethanol has a psychoactive effect with depressant effects and is widely regulated.
- an average beer is approximately 5% alcohol
- wine is usually 12-15% alcohol
- distilled liquor generally ranges from 30-50% but it can be higher
What are the effects of Ethyl Alcohol?
In doses above moderation alcohol can affect behavior, motor skills, and the central nervous system. Attackers may use alcohol’s effects as an aid to verbally coerce or physically force themselves upon their victim.
Other side effects of Ethyl Alcohol may include:
- Reduced Inhibitions
- Slurred Speech
- Euphoria
- Impaired judgment
- Confusion
- Stupor
- Coma
- Nausea
- Impaired motor function
- Respiratory Issues
Barbiturates
What are Barbiturates?
Barbiturates are used as an anesthetic during surgery and have been known to be prescribed for insomnia as well as tension and anxiety. Though not as common, barbiturates have been detected in some drug-facilitated sexual assault cases.
What are the effects of Barbiturates?
The effects of barbiturates can be similar to those of alcohol. Recreational users report that a barbiturate high gives them feelings of relaxed and contentment along with euphoria. Physical and psychological dependence may develop with repeated use. Barbiturates have also been used to alleviate the adverse or withdrawal effects of illicit drug misuse.
Other side effects of Barbiturates may include:
- Reduced Inhibitions
- Slurred Speech
- Euphoria
- Impaired judgment
- Confusio
- Drowsiness
- Sedation
- Poor concentration
- Impaired coordination
- Respiratory Issues
Benzodiazepines
What are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines are used for a variety of medical purposes including treating panic disorders, insomnia, seizures, muscle spasms, alcohol disorders and also as a premedication for medical or dental procedures. Benzodiazepines, often referred to as “Benzos”, have largely replaced barbiturates for various purposes.
What are the effects of Benzodiazepines?
Due to it’s powerful sedative effects depending on dose benzos have been linked to drug-facilitated sexual assault.
Other side effects of Barbiturates may include:
- Amnesia (Memory Loss)
- Slurred Speech
- Depression
- Impaired judgment
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Sedation
- Habit forming
- Impaired coordination
- Death
