WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...ROHYPNOL

Rohypnol is commonly known as "Roofies," the "Forget Pill" or the "Date rape drug". It affects willpower and memory.

What does it do to your mind/body?

Rohypnol is a depressant ("downer") that begins taking effect within 30 minutes, peaks within 2 hours, and can last for up to 8 hours or more. It can cause decreased blood pressure, memory impairment, drowsiness, visual disturbances, dizziness, mental confusion, as well as, stomach problems. Although classified as a depressant, it can cause excitability or aggressive behavior.

Because it is tasteless and odorless, rohypnol is commonly slipped into a person's drink without their knowledge. Someone under the influence of rohypnol is an easy target for sexual violence (including rape) as he/she looses the ability to resist, as well as, any memory of what happened.

Withdrawal symptoms from rohypnol include:

• headaches
• muscle pain
• extreme anxiety
• restlessness
• confusion and irritability
• numbness and tingling of the extremities
• loss of identity
• hallucinations
• delirium
• convulsions
• shock
• cardiovascular collapse

Withdrawal seizures can occur a week or more after one has stopped use of the drug.

Common lies about rohypnol:

• Rohypnol is unadulterated and therefore "safe" because it comes in presealed bubble packs. (The truth is that there's nothing "safe" about rohypnol.)
• Rohypnol cannot be detected by urinalysis testing (The truth is that it can be detected via urinalysis.)

IS IT ADDICTIVE?

Yes, rohypnol is an addictive drug. Find out more about rohypnol