by J. Marie Ruen

Created on: June 17, 2009

When talking about date rape drugs, the conversation quickly becomes a tongue twister of names and letters: Rohypnol (Roofies), Ketamine (Special K), GHB. Knowing the names, nicknames, chemicals, and histories of these drugs is interesting trivia, but it won't help keep you safe when it matters most. These four facts, however, will:

1. Any drug can be a date rape drug, including alcohol. The minute you take in something that will relax you or alter your state of mind, you're vulnerable.

2. Date rape drugs are usually undetectable, especially in drinks made with juice or cola. A drugged drink might taste slightly salty or look cloudy.

3. The first effects of date rape drugs feel like being tired or drunk. You may not realize you've been drugged until it's too late.

4. Date rape drugs are deadly. Someone trying to spike a drink without being noticed may not pay attention to how much they're using and end up killing their victim. There is no safe dose of these drugs.

The only way to protect yourself from date rape drugs is to avoid them. Being cautious isn't about being paranoid, boring or a downer; it's about keeping yourself safe so you can have a good time. Keeping yourself safe is easy:

1. Don't go out alone. Go with a group, or at least a trusted friend.

2. Get all of your drinks yourself. Watch them as they're being made. If someone wants to get you a drink, go with them. You don't have to make a big deal about it, or even explain why you're doing it.

3. Do not take a drink from a punch bowl or any container you didn't open yourself. If someone pressures you to drink spiked punch, have an excuse ready for why you can't: "That stuff makes me sick, and I don't want to puke everywhere," or "I've got something already."

4. Take your drink with you everywhere - even to the bathroom or outside. If your drink leaves your sight, assume it's not safe and get another.

All the caution in the world can't always keep the worst from happening. Know the signs of being drugged: if you start to feel sluggish, drowsy or dizzy, assume something is wrong. If you feel "buzzed" or drunk and you have had little or not alcohol, something is definitely wrong, and there's a good chance you're in danger. Leave immediately with a trusted friend, or call someone to get you right away. Date rape drugs take effect quickly, and if you wait you may become too "out of it" to defend yourself.

The most important fact about date rape drugs is that it's wrong to use them on anyone, with or without their knowledge. You can't tell from looking at a person if they're dangerous, and you can't assume someone "wouldn't do that kind of thing." Nice looking people can do cruel things; they also can do stupid things. Someone who doesn't know the facts about these drugs may think they're just bringing a good time. Dropping a little bit of "something" in a drink to get people high, make them relax, or just to be funny can end up with people passed out, injured, or even dead.

These highly dangerous drugs are only used for one purpose: to make people lose control. People who lose control become victims. That's no way to have a good time.

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