Traces of Rohypnol leave the body very quickly, making it difficult to be detected in most standard drug tests. Urine samples need to be collected in just 72 hours, and saliva and drug tests are normally ineffective in under 24 hours. More elaborate hair follicle testing can be conducted after 72 hours, but may produce a false-positive result if other benzodiazepines are present in the system. Amusement – It may seem cruel and unusual, but some victims of being roofied have had it done to them just for the enjoyment of other people. Whether you decide to undergo an exam or not, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about emergency contraception, STI testing and post-exposure prophylaxis. Once you have all the information you need, you can make an informed decision about your next steps.

Shared punch bowls or communal alcohol containers are also common targets. Environments with loud music or dim lighting may allow perpetrators to act without being noticed. Always keep your drink with you and be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers. Knowing how to identify the signs of being roofied is vital for protecting yourself and others. These situations are scary and often isolating — but help is closer than you think.

• These symptoms can last long after the physical effects of the drink wear off and make it difficult to function in their daily life.
• Yes, some people describe the feeling after being roofied as an extreme hangover.
• It does this by increasing the effects of a chemical called GABA, which makes you feel very relaxed and sleepy.

How Common Is Getting Roofied?

Learn the signs and symptoms to know how to help someone who has been roofied. Sandstone Care supports teens and young adults with mental health and substance use disorders. When a person is sexually assaulted, it can impact their whole life, including their mental health, physical health, and well-being. Seeking immediate medical attention also helps if the victim decides to pursue legal recourse. If the person has been sexually assaulted, they’ll need to go to a hospital so the facility’s sexual assault team can collect forensic evidence.

What to Do if You Think You’ve Been Roofied

Roofied symptoms often include sensations such as sudden dizziness, confusion, nausea, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness. It is also important to seek medical help, especially since you don’t know what you have been given and how your body signs you were roofied may react to it. Roofies usually don’t have a taste, which can make it difficult to tell if a drug may have slipped into your drink. This is why it is so essential to pay close attention to drinks and to never let a stranger have access to the drink for even short periods of time. Drink spiking can occur within seconds, so it is essential to be observant and careful any time you are out drinking.

The drugs change, but the goal — sexual assault — remains the same. Many people experience ongoing emotional effects after being drugged, even if no assault occurred. Symptoms can include nightmares, panic attacks, hypervigilance, or distrust of social settings. Trauma-informed therapy can be highly beneficial in helping individuals process these experiences and regain a sense of safety. Treatment for being roofied will look different for every victim. However, it will likely need to involve both physical and mental care.

By staying informed and vigilant, we can work together to prevent these crimes and support those affected by them. NSVRC provides resources and tools for survivors of sexual violence, educators, advocates, and friends and family members. Victims might experience the following signs of being roofied. The central nervous system (CNS) is responsible for processing information and controlling most functions of the body and mind. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. You may not know where you are, how you got there, or what time it is.

The drowsiness hits you harder than it should based on how much you drank. This overwhelming sleepiness often leads to blacking out or losing large chunks of time. By following these simple tips, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to roofieing. Rohypnol, the drug often referred to as a roofie, primarily affects your central nervous system, which controls many essential functions. In low doses, ketamine causes a euphoric high and dissociation (feeling like you’ve disconnected from your thoughts or sense of self).

Is it possible to accidentally roofie yourself by mixing medications and alcohol?

If you are experiencing symptoms of being roofied and suspect someone has slipped you an illicit drug, call 911 immediately. Don’t drive, and don’t leave the area you’re at unless you’re in danger. Try to stay around as many people as possible until help arrives, and drink as much water as you can to help flush the drug from your system. Unfortunately, these drugs can result in permanent cognitive impairment in some cases, particularly if seizures occur. However, it’s more common for victims to experience psychological issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. This can lead to struggling with work and school obligations, an inability to form and maintain positive relationships and using drugs and/or alcohol to self-medicate.

Addiction Treatment

If you or someone you love has been roofied, we’re here to help. We have certified counselors and medical professionals available to guide you toward healing and reclaiming your strength. Repeated exposure or self-medication with drugs and alcohol necessitates professional addiction treatment and detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms and begin recovery. Following these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of being roofied and ensure a safer social environment for yourself and your friends.

• The sedative effects of Rohypnol are up to 10 times stronger than Valium.
• However, understanding the signs and symptoms of being roofied can be crucial for your safety and well-being.
• If you see someone you don’t know but suspect may have been roofied, then notify security or a member of the bar staff.
• Additionally, unexplained physical injuries such as bruises can be a sign.

If you or someone you know is struggling with these long-term effects, seeking professional help is crucial. Outpatient drug rehab in Atlanta offers specialized support for individuals facing these challenges. Professional therapy, support groups, and mental health programs can play a significant role in your recovery process.

These signs suggest you may have been roofied and possibly assaulted. Nausea, vomiting, and chills can set in rapidly, especially if mixed with alcohol. While these are common hangover symptoms, the intensity and speed of onset are warning signs.

Do I Need to Go to Hospital if I Think I’ve Been Spiked?

Disorientation is especially concerning when you’re in a familiar place or with people you know — but everything feels foggy. While many people recover physically after a single incident of being roofied, the psychological impact can be profound and long-lasting. While the idea of being roofied is frightening, there are several practical steps you can take to protect yourself. Ketamine may be a liquid or white powder that can be added to drinks.

Other people abuse Rohypnol as a way to get “high” or combine it with alcohol to become highly intoxicated, which can be very dangerous. In high doses, a person can become unconscious and may not remember what happened to them. “Roofies” contain Rohypnol or other common date-rape drugs such as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) or ketamine. Other commonly used street names of Rohypnol include roche, ruffied, ruffles, and forget-me drug. It’s also crucial to report the incident to law enforcement, especially if you suspect foul play or assault.