What is a date rape drug?
A date rape drug, often referred to as “roofies” (short for Rohypnol), is any drug that is used to incapacitate an individual without their knowledge with the specific intent of sexually assaulting or raping them. It is important to note that Rohypnol is just one of many substances used to spike drinks, and alcohol is noted as one of the most common substances used to spike drinks.
What drugs are commonly used to spike drinks?
Some common drugs used to spike drugs are Ecstasy, Ketamine, and LSD, among other party drugs, and Rohypnol, often used to treat severe insomnia or assist with anesthesia, which is illegal in the United States.
What does it feel like being drugged?
Someone drugged my drink this weekend.
I’m 23. I still bartend part-time. I know my alcohol tolerance. I know how to be safe with my drinks. And yet, this still happened and I still feel like it’s my fault for not being careful.
I have no idea who did it. I was getting a single drink alone after my bar shift at my local bar. And next thing I knew, I was awake in my bed, on my side, with vomit down the front of my shirt.
First, I am OK. I hesitated sharing this with the world because I didn’t want it to seem like I was trying to get sympathy or attention. But I know if I knew what being drugged feels like, I might have connected the dots faster. It feels wrong to not openly speak about it.
The only symptoms I know I had immediately after ingesting the drug 1. complete blackout and 2. vomiting Based on the state of my apartment, I could tell there was disorientation, but because of the blackout, I have no idea what happened.
I woke up incredibly confused in the morning because I have never totally blacked out in my life, even on my craziest nights. Apparently this is very common. If you’ve never blacked out before but suddenly lose hours of memory after a couple of drinks, that’s a HUGE red flag.
Symptoms of a spiked drink I wish I knew beforehand (and was never told)
The next morning was like no hangover I’ve ever experienced. Even similar symptoms were so much worse:
- horrible brain fog
- difficulty articulating my thoughts
- massive headache
- extreme sensitivity to light
- throat pain (from the vomiting)
- muscle weakness
- nausea
I didn’t feel normal(ish) until Sunday night (two days later). I slept over 12 hours that night and then called my doctor who said my symptoms aligned with a drug rather than simply being drunk.
Important takeaways
I feel over-dramatic and embarrassed by sharing this, like I’m crying out for attention. But I really wish I had known at least the signs and symptoms beforehand rather than going through two days of realizations and checking myself.
I’m fine. I’m good. I was lucky someone safe saw something wrong and insisted on walking me home.
I just want people (especially women) to know that date rape drugs are not some rarity that only come out at frat parties. Someone can spike your drink even if you’re careful. And if something seems wrong the next morning, don’t second guess yourself.
Editor’s Note: To anyone reading this article who may have experienced being drugged in the past or recently, we want you know to know there is no shame in your experience or sharing it with others. Your story and voice matter; you are not alone.
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Kat Abu (and augmented by Sophia San Filippo). You can follow Kat’s journey on Twitter. Submit your own story here. Be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.
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