Date rape drugs can linger in the body for varying amounts of time, depending on the substance, dosage, method of ingestion, and individual metabolism. The detection window can often be as short as a few hours. That is why timing matters if you are considering pursuing legal action.

If you were harmed by someone who drugged you, a sexual assault lawyer from Edwards Pottinger can help you hold that person accountable in civil court. You deserve justice, and we’ll do all we can to help you get it.

What Are Date Rape Drugs?

Date rape drugs are substances used to incapacitate a person and make them vulnerable to sexual assault. These drugs often impair memory, judgment, motor skills, and consciousness.

According to the U.S. Office on Women’s Health, common examples of date rape drugs include GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), and ketamine. These drugs are often colorless, tasteless, and odorless, which allows them to be slipped into drinks without detection.

How Common Are Date Rape Drugs?

While exact statistics are difficult to determine, studies suggest that the use of date rape drugs is not rare. Toxicological analyses show that a significant number of sexual assault cases involved substances used for chemical submission. Many survivors never receive confirmation because the drugs exit the body so quickly.

How Long Each Date Rape Drug Stays in Your System

The body processes every drug differently. Some are detectable for only a few hours, while others may appear in hair or urine for days or weeks. The time a substance stays in your system depends on dosage, the person’s body weight, frequency of use, and how fast their body metabolizes chemicals.

GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate)

GHB is fast-acting and can leave the system just as quickly. According to the American Addiction Centers, GHB is usually detectable in blood for up to 8 hours and in urine for up to 12 hours. However, The Hope House notes that traces may linger longer in some individuals, especially if the drug was taken repeatedly.

Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)

Rohypnol, known as “roofies,” has a longer detection window. Archstone Recovery reports that Rohypnol can remain in urine for up to 5 days, blood for 24 hours, and in hair for up to 90 days. Saliva testing is not normally used, and hair tests are rarely used in emergencies, so early testing is still key.

Ketamine

Ketamine is often used in veterinary and medical settings, but it is also abused as a date rape drug. Ketamine can be detected in urine for up to 14 days, in blood for 1 to 3 days, and in hair for several months. Its dissociative effects can make it especially disorienting for survivors.

Less Common Types of Date Rape Drugs

Other drugs such as MDMA (Ecstasy), barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and even over-the-counter sleep aids have been misused for sexual assault. These less common drugs have varying detection windows, often depending on the specific chemical compound involved.

Can You Test for Date Rape Drugs?

Yes, testing is available, but it must be done quickly. There are several options for GHB testing.

Most hospitals can perform urine or blood screenings, though not all drugs are part of standard panels. Let medical staff know if you suspect you were drugged so they can use a comprehensive screening kit.

How to Prevent Taking a Date Rape Drug

While the responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator, there are precautionary steps that can reduce risk. Suggestions include:

• Never leave drinks unattended.
• Do not accept drinks from strangers.
• Use drink test strips or cups designed to detect substances.
• Stay with trusted friends at social gatherings.

How Do You Know if You Have Been Given a Date Rape Drug?

Symptoms of date rape drugs can come on rapidly and feel unfamiliar. Warning signs include:

• Sudden dizziness or confusion
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Unusual drowsiness
• Memory gaps or blackouts
• Nausea or vomiting
• Waking up with no recollection of how you got there

What to Do if You Think You Were Drugged

If you think you were drugged, some of the steps you should take immediately thereafter include:

• Seeking medical attention immediately
• Requesting a urine or blood test
• Not showering, changing clothes, or urinating, if possible, to preserve evidence
• Asking for a forensic exam (also known as a rape kit)
• Reporting the incident to a trusted medical professional, advocate, or police officer

It is perfectly normal to experience a freeze response after being assaulted. If you have experienced this or are experiencing it currently, it is important to seek help so that you can heal and move forward with your life.

How to Preserve Date Rape Drug Evidence

The University of Illinois at Chicago offers the following guidance with respect to preserving date rape drug evidence:

• Do not wash your body. Washing can eliminate physical evidence, such as DNA or traces of the drug, that may be present on the skin or in bodily fluids.
• Place clothing in paper bags (not plastic). Paper allows for airflow and prevents the growth of mold or bacteria that can degrade important forensic material. Clothes should be kept as they were during or after the incident.
• Save texts, photos, and any other potential evidence from the incident. This can include screenshots of conversations, images from social media, rideshare receipts, or anything that helps reconstruct your movements and interactions.
• Write down everything you remember, even if it seems minor. Details that seem insignificant to you may help your legal team or investigators prove your case.
• If possible, preserve any drinking containers, such as cups or bottles. The residue inside these containers may contain chemical evidence of the drug.

Evidence can disappear quickly. Acting promptly and seeking support can help protect your rights and strengthen any future legal claims you may wish to bring.

Can You Sue if You Were Given a Date Rape Drug?

Yes, you can file a civil lawsuit against the individual who drugged you. A criminal conviction is not required for you to pursue a civil sexual assault claim against them. At Edwards Pottinger, our sexual assault attorneys support survivors in seeking justice.

We know the civil sexual assault lawsuit process can feel overwhelming, which is why our attorneys will work closely with you every step of the way. We believe survivors, and we will fight to make sure your story is heard.

Resources for Date Rape Drug Survivors

Healing is not something you have to do alone. National resources for date rape drug survivors include:

• Joyful Heart Foundation
• RAINN (800-656-HOPE)

At Edwards Pottinger, we offer PTSD resources for abuse survivors, as well as LGBTQ+ assault support and help for those who have suffered sexual violence against racial and ethnic minorities. We stand with survivors.

If you believe you have been drugged and assaulted, our team is here to help. There is no shame in asking for support, and there is power in taking your next step forward.