Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFA) occurs when a person is intentionally given drugs or alcohol without their knowledge or consent to make them vulnerable to sexual assault. The substances incapacitate the individual, compromising their ability to consent or resist an attack. The fault for this crime lies entirely with the perpetrator. This guide provides information on recognizing the signs of drugging and outlines the immediate steps necessary for safety and evidence preservation.
Identifying Physical and Mental Symptoms
A sudden, extreme feeling of intoxication that is disproportionate to the amount of alcohol consumed is often the first sign of being drugged. This can manifest as immediate and overwhelming dizziness, intense confusion, or heavy drowsiness. You might find yourself struggling to stand up straight or experiencing slurred speech after only a small amount of a beverage.
The drugs used can lead to a rapid onset of nausea and vomiting, sometimes accompanied by blurred vision or loss of bowel or bladder control. A significant marker of DFA is anterograde amnesia, the inability to form new memories after a certain point. Victims often recall only vague “snapshots” or have a complete blank regarding a specific time period.
Waking up in a strange location, with clothes disheveled, or with a sense of having been violated but no clear memory of the incident can point to DFA. Symptoms vary widely depending on the substance, the dose administered, and whether the drug was mixed with alcohol, which intensifies the effects.
Immediate Safety and Medical Protocol
The priority is to get to a secure location immediately. If you are not safe, call emergency services like 911 right away. Once safe, contact a trusted friend or a confidential resource, such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673), for local support.
Seeking emergency medical attention is important, even if you do not feel injured. Hospital personnel can stabilize your health, address potential drug toxicity, and conduct a medical forensic exam. Disclose your suspicion of being drugged to the medical staff so they can perform a drug toxicology test.
To preserve potential evidence, avoid urinating, showering, bathing, or douching before the medical examination. Do not change the clothes you were wearing; if removed, place them in a paper bag, as plastic bags can destroy fragile evidence. The medical team will collect the first available urine sample, which is crucial because the drugs leave the body quickly.
Understanding Common Drug Types and Their Effects
The substances used to facilitate sexual assault are commonly referred to as “date rape drugs,” though alcohol remains the most frequently used substance. These drugs cause sedation, incapacitation, and amnesia.
Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a common drug of concern, often appearing as a clear liquid, powder, or pill, and is sometimes called “Liquid Ecstasy.” GHB is a powerful sedative that can cause unconsciousness and metabolizes rapidly. Flunitrazepam, known as Rohypnol, belongs to the benzodiazepine class and produces sedative-hypnotic effects.
Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, causes a feeling of detachment from one’s body and surroundings, which can leave a victim aware but unable to move or fight back. Many of these drugs are colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making them easily concealable when mixed into drinks. Combining these drugs with alcohol significantly intensifies their effects.
Evidence Collection and Reporting Procedures
Evidence collection for toxicology testing is extremely time-sensitive because DFA drugs are rapidly metabolized. While some drugs like Flunitrazepam may be detectable for up to 72 hours, GHB may only be detectable for 10 to 12 hours, making immediate testing necessary. The first voided urine specimen after the suspected drugging is the most important for detection.
At the hospital, a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) or other trained provider can perform a forensic evidence collection, sometimes called a “rape kit.” This collects biological evidence but is distinct from toxicology testing, which uses a separate kit sent to a specialized forensic lab. The forensic exam is voluntary; you can receive medical treatment without consenting to evidence collection or reporting to law enforcement.
If you choose to report, the medical provider will maintain the chain of custody for collected specimens and physical evidence, such as clothing or the drink container. Law enforcement involvement is initiated only with your consent, and the decision to proceed with reporting is entirely your choice.