Taking Action

Avoiding Harm

Because the drugs used to facilitate sexual assault are in liquid form or in a powder that dissolves quickly, it is hard to detect if one has been drugged. Looking at a drink, or even tasting it, might not help you determine a drug is present. The only sign that a drink has been "dosed" might be a slightly salty or bitter taste.

In order for you or others to protect themselves, keep these preventive steps in mind to avoid your drink from being dosed.

• Don't leave your drink unattended at the table or bar while you are dancing, talking with friends, or in the bathroom, etc.
• Only drink from unopened bottles or cans, or drinks that you've seen poured.
• Avoid "group" drinks. Punch bowls, or containers that are "passed around" are the easiest to dose.
• Watch out for your friends and ask them to watch out for you too.

If You Think You've Been Drugged

Even if you watch your drink, sometimes it can still be contaminated. The key for you is to get to safety before the drugs take their full effect.

• If you notice something is wrong with your drink - there seems to be some powder on the glass or it has a funny taste, throw it away immediately.
• If you suddenly feel really tired or really drunk and you don't know why because you haven't had that much to drink, you may be feeling the effects of a drug.
• Tell someone immediately. The key is to get to a safe place. Tell someone what you think has happened to you, and tell them that you need their help or medical attention.

If You Can't Remember What Happened To You

One of the effects of Rohypnol and GHB is memory loss. If you wake up, and you cannot remember the events of the night before, or if you feel that someone has sexually assaulted you but cannot remember the details, it may be because you were drugged. Seek help immediately and get medical attention. Don't change or shower, just go to the Emergency Room. At the hospital, explain what you believe happened to you so they can check for the drugs in your system.