A “bar drug” refers to any substance, often illicitly administered, that is used to incapacitate an individual without their knowledge or consent in social environments like bars, clubs, or parties. These drugs are frequently associated with non-consensual acts, as they impair a person’s ability to resist or make informed decisions.
Types of Drugs Used
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant often encountered as a colorless, odorless liquid, powder, or crystal. Lower doses can produce euphoria, relaxation, and increased sociability. Even a small increase in dosage can lead to severe effects like sweating, nausea, hallucinations, amnesia, loss of consciousness, and coma. Effects appear within 15 to 30 minutes and last up to four hours, though its short half-life makes detection difficult after 24 hours.
Flunitrazepam, known as Rohypnol, is a benzodiazepine, a CNS depressant similar to prescription sedatives like Valium or Xanax. It is medically prescribed for severe insomnia in some countries but not approved for medical use in the United States. Rohypnol causes sedative-hypnotic, anti-anxiety, and muscle relaxant effects, leading to drowsiness, decreased anxiety, and amnesia, causing memory loss of events while under its influence. Effects manifest within 15 to 20 minutes and can last for several hours, with residual effects persisting for 12 hours or more.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that produces hallucinogenic effects, causing a feeling of disconnection from pain and surroundings. It is legally used as an anesthetic, particularly in trauma and emergency situations, and at lower doses for pain and treatment-resistant depression. Illicitly, ketamine is often found as a clear liquid or an off-white powder, distorting perceptions of sight and sound. Short-term effects include disorientation, confusion, impaired attention, memory issues, and at higher doses, dreamlike states, hallucinations, or delirium.
Alcohol, while not an illicit substance, is the most frequently misused drug in non-consensual situations, appearing in nearly 31% of drug-facilitated sexual assault cases. It lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, making individuals less aware and more vulnerable. Combining alcohol with other depressants like GHB or Rohypnol amplifies their sedative effects, increasing the risk of severe sedation, unconsciousness, slowed heart rate, and respiratory depression, which can be fatal.
Methods of Administration and Their Impact
These substances are often administered surreptitiously by being slipped into drinks or disguised in food, making them difficult to detect. GHB is often odorless, colorless, and may have a slightly salty or soapy taste, making it nearly undetectable when mixed into beverages. Rohypnol was reformulated to include a blue dye that would color light-colored drinks, but generic versions may not contain this dye, and it can still be crushed and dissolved. Ketamine, in powdered form, can also be mixed into drinks, snorted, or smoked.
Once administered, these drugs rapidly induce physiological and psychological effects that render individuals vulnerable. Effects can begin within 10 to 30 minutes of consumption. Individuals may experience sudden and profound sedation, leading to extreme drowsiness or loss of consciousness. This sedation can progress to unresponsiveness or coma, leaving the person incapacitated.
The drugs also cause significant cognitive impairment, including disorientation, confusion, and impaired judgment. Anterograde amnesia is a dangerous effect, where individuals may have partial or total memory loss of events that occurred while under the influence. This makes it difficult to recall details of what happened, who was involved, or how they got to a certain location. The combination of physical incapacitation and memory loss leaves individuals unable to resist or report non-consensual acts.
Recognizing and Responding to a Suspected Incident
Identifying a suspected incident involves recognizing a sudden, uncharacteristic change in a person’s demeanor or physical state. Signs include appearing more intoxicated than expected, sudden onset of severe drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion, and difficulty standing or maintaining balance. Other indicators include slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, or an unexpected shift in behavior, such as becoming unusually aggressive or overly friendly. A sudden headache, mental fogginess, or a feeling of detachment can also suggest a problem.
If a drugging incident is suspected, immediate action is important. The first step is to seek medical attention by calling emergency services. Stay with the person and ensure they are not left alone, especially if they are losing consciousness or becoming unresponsive. If possible, prevent the person from consuming more liquids, even non-alcoholic ones, as the substance may have been added to any beverage.
At the hospital, request a toxicology screening to test for various drugs in the system. Also contact authorities, such as the local police, to report the incident. Provide details like the date, time, and location of the suspected drugging, along with descriptions of suspicious individuals or activities, to assist investigations.