What Are Date Rape Drugs?

According to a nationwide survey, nearly 85% of rapes are perpetrated by someone that the survivor knows personally. Date rape is unfortunately a common occurrence, and it is especially common in settings where drugs are used. 

If you suspect you were raped under the influence of a date rape drug, seek immediate medical help. You can also speak to a rape attorney to discuss your options. At Edwards Henderson, we are experienced in handling high-profile rape and sexual assault cases, and can help you seek justice and compensation against the perpetrator and a negligent third party.

What Does Date Rape Mean?

While the term ‘date rape’ is frequently associated with nonconsensual sex that occurs in a romantic setting, it may be associated with any type of rape that is committed by a person that the survivor knows. A person may be date raped by a date or by their spouse, romantic partner, friend, or co-worker as well. 

Because date rape is perpetrated by a person that the survivor knows, the perpetrator often uses drugs as a tool to lower the survivor’s inhabitations or consciousness so that they will be less resistant to the crime. Regardless of who the perpetrator is or if they used drugs or not, date rape is still rape, and must be treated as a violent and invasive crime.

What Should I Do If I Have Been Date Raped?

If you think that you may have been date raped, remember you’re not alone. There are resources available to help you deal with the trauma and seek justice for the crime committed against you.

Immediately after experiencing date rape, you may:

• Call 911 if you are in danger: If you feel unsafe or are in immediate danger, contact emergency services right away. 
• Speak to a sexual assault hotline volunteer: Contact a sexual assault hotline for confidential support and guidance. They can offer emotional support, help you understand your options, and provide guidance on the next steps. Examples include the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) and local crisis centers.
• Go to a hospital so the medical team can collect evidence: It is important to go to a hospital or a specialized sexual assault forensic exam facility (also known as a rape crisis center) as soon as possible. Medical professionals can perform a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) to collect evidence, which can be critical if you decide to pursue legal action. Avoid showering, changing clothes, eating, or drinking before the exam to preserve evidence.

After things have settled down:

• Confide in a loved one or a trusted professional: Sharing your experience with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or counselor, can provide emotional support and help you process what happened. If you prefer privacy, consider speaking with a professional therapist or counselor who specializes in sexual assault trauma. 
• Seek medical help and therapy: Even if you have already visited a hospital for evidence collection, follow up with your primary care physician for additional medical care. This may include testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pregnancy, and addressing any other physical health concerns. Therapy can be crucial for emotional and psychological healing. Counselors specializing in trauma-focused therapy can offer coping strategies and long-term mental health support.
• Consider alternative forms of healing: In addition to traditional therapy, explore alternative healing practices that may resonate with you. These could include support groups, art or music therapy, mindfulness and meditation practices, yoga, or other holistic approaches that can help restore your sense of well-being and find a community to lean on for support.
• Speak to a rape lawyer in your state: Consulting with a lawyer who specializes in sexual assault cases can help you understand your legal rights and options. 

Remember that even if you were raped many years ago, you may be able to seek legal action against your rapist or their estate. Speak to a rape lawyer to learn more about the statute of limitations in your state. 

What Do Date Rape Drugs Look Like?

Date rape drugs come in many forms. Most commonly they are in the form of a white powder, clear liquid, or pill which are dissolved in a person’s drink without their knowledge or consent. You may be able to tell if your drink has been laced with date rape drugs if your drink has a bitter or an “off” taste to it; however, in most cases, date rape drugs are colorless and odorless. 

Types of Date Rape Drugs

Any drug that is used to inconspicuously lower a person’s inhibitions or consciousness for the purpose of sexual assault is considered a date rape drug. Most commonly, these are:

• Alcohol
• Ecstasy
• Methamphetamine
• Benzodiazepines (clozepam, xanax)
• Ketamine
• GHB
• Rohypnol (roofies, mickies)

How Do Date Rape Drugs Work?

Many date rape drugs are prescribed for anxiety, narcolepsy, or are used during surgery or medical procedures. Others are used recreationally. In all cases, date rape drugs are used to alter a person’s consciousness so that the person is not aware of what is happening to them or they are unable to stop it from happening.

Symptoms of Date Rape Drugs

The specific symptoms and side effects of date rape drugs can vary depending on the type of drug used. If you have inadvertently consumed a date rape drug, you may feel light-headed, dizzy, confused, euphoric, nauseous, or drunker than you would usually feel. Here is a list of the common drugs used and how they may affect you on a physiological level:

• Rohypnol: This drug is most commonly used in date rape, but in the medical field, it is used as a tranquilizer. If you consume it, it will likely make you feel confused, drowsy, or nauseous.
• GHB: Another common date rape drug, GHB is a depressant and can make you feel tired or may affect your memory. 
• Ecstasy: If you feel a sense of euphoria, mood swings, or panic, or you feel suddenly uninhabited or overly relaxed, your drink may have been spiked with ecstasy or a drug with similar properties.
• Benzodiazepines: These types of drugs are typically used to treat anxiety and may make you feel sleepy, confused, or euphoric. They may also make it hard to control your body which may show up in the form of slurred speech or sloppy movements.
• Ketamine: Ketamine is a type of tranquilizer used in surgery or therapy. It can make you hallucinate, or feel dizzy, confused, or overly relaxed.

How Long Do Date Rape Drugs Stay in Your System?

As with symptoms and side effects, the amount of time a date rape drug will stay in your system depends on the type of drug used, the quantity consumed, and your body’s tolerance to the drug. Below are the common drugs used in date rape along with a general timeline on how long each one stays in your system:

• Rohypnol: Up to 72 hours
• GHB: Up to 12 hours
• Ketamine: Up to 4 days
• Methamphetamine: Up to 36 hours
• Benzodiazepines: Up to 48 hours
• Ecstasy: Up to 72 hours

If you believe that you were drugged and raped, it is important that you get a medical exam done right away. 

How To Test For Date Rape Drugs

While there are ways you can test for date rape drugs at home, these tests are less accurate and may not be used as evidence in court. It is always better to go to a hospital or an urgent care facility following a rape so they can perform a medical evaluation and test you for any drugs (usually through a blood or urine test) that may have been used by the perpetrator.

Is Date Rape My Fault? 

Rape is never the survivors’ fault. No matter what, you must remember never to blame yourself. Whether you were drugged or you took your rapist’s drugs willingly, you were not able to consent to sexual acts. If you consented initially and changed your mind later, and the person did not stop, you were raped. If you consented to some parts of the sexual act (such as kissing or hugging) but not other parts (such as intercourse) and the person did not stop, you were raped. None of these situations are your fault.

How Can a Date Rape Lawyer Help Me?

A date rape lawyer can discuss your legal options so you can choose how you wish to proceed after the incident. 

A date rape lawyer will work with you to gather and preserve crucial evidence, such as medical reports, witness statements, and any forensic evidence. A civil attorney can represent you in settlement negotiations or at court if you decide to file a civil sexual assault lawsuit. They can guide you through the proceedings for compensation and provide support in dealing with third parties involved in your case, such as a negligent church, hospital, or educational institution.

Have More Questions? Speak To a Date Rape Lawyer In Confidence

If you have additional questions about date rape drugs, we encourage you to reach out to us. Edwards Henderson can provide you with compassionate legal support and help you seek compensation for your injuries and trauma. 

Contact us today to get in touch with our date rape lawyers.