Rohypnol is a legitimate drug used in the short-term treatment of sleep disorders, producing sedative-hypnotic effects including muscle relaxation and amnesia. It is alleged that some men have slipped the drug into the drinks of young women who either then pass out or experience short-term memory loss and are then vulnerable to sexual exploitation and rape.
It has been implicated in several date rape cases in the US, although there is no confirmed case of it being used in sexual assault cases in the UK.
Recently companies have started to sell products which will test for the Benzodiazepines group of drugs, which are commonly associated with Drug Rape. These usually take the form of test strips or beer mats, which can be easily carried on a night out for discrete testing. They can also detect benzodiazepines in urine, and can be used as a 'morning after' test.
LAW
Rohypnol is a class C drug. It can be obtained only through private prescription in the UK. It is not illegal to possess the drug if it has been obtained through prescription. Supply without authority is illegal and Class C penalties apply (maximum 14 years imprisonment and/or fine).
EFFECTS/RISKS
Rohypnol use causes dependence in humans. Once dependence has developed, abstention induces withdrawal symptoms, including headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, confusion, and irritability. Numbness, tingling of the extremities, loss of identity, hallucinations, delirium, convulsions, shock, and cardiovascular collapse also may occur. Withdrawal seizures can occur a week or more after cessation of use. As with other benzodiazepines, treatment for flunitrazepam dependence must be gradual, with use tapering off.
Rohypnol use causes dependence in humans. Once dependence has developed, abstention induces withdrawal symptoms, including headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, confusion, and irritability. Numbness, tingling of the extremities, loss of identity, hallucinations, delirium, convulsions, shock, and cardiovascular collapse also may occur. Withdrawal seizures can occur a week or more after cessation of use. As with other benzodiazepines, treatment for flunitrazepam dependence must be gradual, with use tapering off.
