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Middle Earth Roots
Rohyphnol: The Date Rape Drug
Annie Rosin
Middle Earth Outreach Coordinator
What have you heard about Rohyphnol (commonly known as "roofies")? Stories and rumors about this drug have made their way around campus; this article will present some of the facts on roofies. Rohyphnol is the drug most commonly referred to as the "date rape drug." In recent years, problems associated with the abuse of Rohypnol and other similar drugs have gained much media attention.
Rohyphnol is the brand name of a sedative (or hypnotic) called Flunitrazepam that is not legally prescribed in the United States, but is used for medical purposes in over 64 countries in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. It is manufactured abroad by Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc. In addition to its use as a sleeping pill, the drug has been used in medical settings as a preoperative muscle relaxant. According to the manufacturer, the drug is typically smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico and Latin America via the U.S. mail, commercial delivery services, and individuals. Though generic and illegally manufactured versions of the drug exist, the brand-name drug seems to be preferred and is more common. Although the manufacturer has begun to make Rohyphnol with a dye in it that will turn a drink blue when the drug is dropped in a liquid, plenty of Rohyphnol that does not contain this dye still seems to be available.
Rohyphnol is one of a widely-used class of prescription medications that includes Valium, Librium, Xanax, and Halcion. Though it is commonly compared to Valium, it is important to note that Rohyphnol has been said to be about 10 times stronger. There are many common street names for Rohyphnol: roofies, roachies, rocha, rophies, roofenol, ruffies, rope(s), rib, la rocha, Roche dos (for the 2 milligram pill), Mexican Valium, R-2 (due to markings on the tablet), pappas (potatoes), whiteys (referring to tablet color), and dulcitas (candy). Rohyphnol tablets are round, white, and slightly smaller than aspirin. Street cost has been reported to range from a low of $.50 to $8 per tablet. The tablets are typically distributed in their original foil-backed, clear-plastic bubble packs similar to the packaging for birth control pills (this packaging, however, does not guarantee that the tablets have not been tampered with; counterfeit tablets have been seized by police). Though the tablets are available in a 1mg (low) dose, the 2mg (high) dose form is more common in the U.S.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, several distinct patterns of Rohyphnol abuse are now common. For example, while heroin abusers tend to use the drug to enhance the effects of low quality heroin, cocaine and crack abusers seem to use it to ease the effects of a binge. An increasingly popular form of Rohyphnol abuse is as an "alcohol extender" for individuals who prefer not to drink large quantities of alcohol but want to enhance the feeling of being drunk.
Rohyphnol's use as a "date rape drug," however, appears to be a common and particularly insidious form of abuse. In the most common scenario, a male spikes the alcoholic drink of an unsuspecting woman with a dose of Rohyphnol. Because the drug is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and dissolves quickly in liquid, the person who has been drugged is typically unable to discern that there is a problem until it is too late to react.
Within 20 to 30 minutes of intake, the combination of Rohypnol and even a modest amount of alcohol produces a state of intoxication and amnesia more severe than the "blackouts" associated with the abuse of alcohol alone. The effect has been described by a woman interviewed for the Salt Lake Tribune who stated, "You don't see, you don't hear, you don't know anything is going on.... Nothing.... It's like you're dead." Other effects of the combination of alcohol and Rohyphnol include a pronounced slowing of psychomotor performance, respiration, sedation, muscle relaxation, restlessness, and more rarely, agitation and aggressiveness. An intoxicated individual will appear the same as one intoxicated on alcohol or other sedative and manifestations include the following: slurred speech, difficulty walking, and impaired judgment and decision-making ability. The effects of the drug may last approximately 8 to 24 hours depending on the dose and combination with other substances.
According to the manufacturer, a lethal overdose of Rohyphnol alone is unlikely, though it is important to note that when combined with alcohol or other drugs, deaths have occurred. Abuse of Rohyphnol and similar drugs is dangerous and leads to physical and psychological dependence that increases with dose and duration of use. Because it can be life-threatening, withdrawal from these drugs requires medical attention.
You can take precautions to help protect yourself from this drug. Be aware and informed of the dangers of such substances. Take special precautions such as maintaining a close watch over beverages while in public places; if you go to bars, do not drink anything you did not either pour or open yourself. Try to go out in small groups; look out for your friends, and have them look out for you.
Should you be interested in further information on this topic, there are a number of sources that may be helpful. Hoffmann-La Roche, the manufacturer of Rohyphnol, has established a hot-line to address public concerns about their product and provide information of testing if you believe you have been drugged (1-800-608-6540). Additionally, the University Counseling Center (442-5800), Middle Earth Hotline (442-5777), and University Health Center (442-5757) are available to help address any questions or concerns you may have.
