Being “roofied” refers to the non-consensual administration of substances, typically drugs or excessive alcohol, to incapacitate an individual. This compromises a person’s ability to consent or resist. Perpetrators often use odorless, colorless, and tasteless substances, making them difficult to detect. Understanding the signs and knowing how to respond is important for personal safety and supporting others.
Identifying Key Indicators
Symptoms can vary depending on the substance, dosage, and whether it’s mixed with alcohol. A sudden and unexpected change in physical or mental state can be a strong indicator. Physical signs often include sudden dizziness, feeling unusually drunk despite minimal alcohol consumption, or a rapid onset of extreme drowsiness.
An individual might experience slurred speech, loss of muscle control, or difficulty standing and walking, resembling severe intoxication. Nausea, vomiting, and headache are also common physical reactions. Cognitive indicators can manifest as confusion, disorientation, or mental fogginess.
Memory gaps, such as an inability to recall events while under the drug’s influence, are a significant symptom. Behavioral changes might include acting unusually aggressive or sexual, or becoming uncharacteristically withdrawn and unresponsive. Effects of common drugs like Rohypnol typically begin within 15 to 30 minutes and can last for several hours, amplified when combined with alcohol.
Immediate Steps for Safety
If you suspect that you or someone you know has been drugged, the first step involves getting to a secure location away from any potential harm or the person who may have administered the substance. Seek out a trusted friend, venue staff, or host for assistance.
It is important to stay with the affected person and not leave them alone, as they may be disoriented or lose consciousness. Offer them water but avoid consuming more alcohol or other substances, which can worsen the drug’s effects. If symptoms are severe, such as loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, or seizures, call emergency services immediately.
Seeking Further Assistance
After securing immediate safety, it is important to go to an emergency room or urgent care facility as soon as possible for medical evaluation and testing. Medical professionals can assess the condition, provide care, and perform toxicology screenings to detect substances in the system.
These drugs are often rapidly metabolized by the body, so prompt testing within 24 to 72 hours, or even sooner for some substances like GHB (within 12 hours), is important for evidence collection. Even if a drug test cannot be performed immediately, reporting the incident to law enforcement is still an option. Resources like the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) also offer confidential support and guidance for survivors.