NCJ Number
183193
Journal
Prosecutor Volume: 34 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2000 Pages: 33-40
Editor(s)
Jean Holt
Date Published
2000
Length
6 pages
Annotation
In an unknown fraction of the more than 430,000 sexual assaults that occur annually in the United States, perpetrators use drugs such as Rohypnol and gamma-hydroxy-butyrate (GHB) to subdue their victims.
Abstract
Rohypnol and GHB are appearing at parties, clubs, bars, and college campuses throughout the United States. While they are the current drugs being used in sexual assaults, other drugs may be used in the future. The challenge faced by prosecutors in trying to investigate and prosecute sexual assault cases involving Rohypnol and GHB concerns the very nature of the drugs themselves. Both drugs result in loss of consciousness and memory, and the effects are increased when mixed with alcohol. Victims often do not remember the sexual assault itself but wake up only knowing that something is very wrong. They may have hazy memories of waking up for a few seconds during the sexual assault and then losing consciousness again. The most widely publicized drug used to commit drug-facilitated rape is Rohypnol, the trade name for flunitrazepam. This drug is a central nervous system depressant and a member of the benzodiazepine family of drugs. The effects of Rohypnol can occur within 15-30 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 8 hours or more, depending on the dose. GHB is a colorless and odorless drug that can make a victim unconscious within 20 minutes. As with Rohypnol, victims who have ingested GHB generally have no memory of the sexual assault. GHB is a central nervous system depressant and is usually a street-manufactured drug. The effects of GHB include loss of consciousness, memory impairment, confusion, loss of inhibition, seizures, dizziness, extreme drowsiness, stupor, agitation, nausea, visual disturbances, severe respiratory depression, and reduced heart rate and blood pressure. When combined with alcohol or taken in large doses, GHB can result in coma and even death. Other products that may be associated with drug-facilitated rape are examined, including gamma butyrolactone, gamma aminobutyric acid, and 1,4-butanediol. A summary of drugs used to facilitate sexual assault is provided. 35 endnotes