Date rape is an experience of non-consensual sexual activity among two people who might have started a romantic or potentially sexual relationship. This might also be called acquaintance rape when the two people involved are not necessarily in a romantic relationship but know one another.

 

Date rape happens frequently when at parties, bars, or clubs. Often what happens is your date, or a friend, hands you a drink that has been spiked. The drink has a drug in it that might make you feel sleepy or tired, which would make you vulnerable to sexual assault (or theft).

 

A popular drug used to make someone tired and vulnerable is known as GHB. Although it is frequently abused, this drug is actually used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder which causes frequent sleepiness and daytime sleep attacks. It is a depressant that has the positive effects of tranquility, increased sexual drive, and euphoria. Yet, its negative effects on users include nausea, sweating, hallucinations, amnesia; and it can even induce coma. GHB is also known as the “date rape” drug because of its sedative effects and the inability of a user to resist sexual assault.

 

The following are suggestions to help avoid getting drugged and making yourself to an unwanted sexual experience:

• Never leave your drink unattended.
• Say “NO” to alcohol. Have water or soda instead.
• Don’t let other people hand you drinks.
• Do not accept a drink from someone you do not know.
• Don’t share drinks.
• Take your drink with you wherever you go, even when you go to the bathroom.
• Don’t drink from punch bowls or other large, common, open containers. They may already have drugs in them.
• Be careful who you are drinking with, as in someone you trust.
• Don’t drink anything that tastes, looks, or smells strange. Sometimes, the date rape drug tastes salty.
• Don’t accept drinks that are already open. Be aware that even a soft drink may be spiked.
• Stay alert when at a party. Be aware of the behavior of your friends. If they appear much more drunk then they should be, you have reason to be concerned about them.
• Do not ever leave a party with a stranger or an acquaintance. Do not ever let your friends leave with a stranger or someone they do not know very well.
• If you suspect you or your friend has ingested the drug, call the police immediately. Or call 911.
• Always go to a party, club, or concert with someone you trust, such as a friend or an older brother or sister.
• Stay away from any and all party drugs. In addition to the date rape drug, there are many other drugs that can also leave you disoriented and vulnerable.

 

There are many teens, both male and female, that inadvertently take the date rape drug and end up experiencing an unwanted sexual experience. Sexual assault can leave many emotional and psychological scars. Be sure to be aware of your safety when at a party, bar, or club!