How Do I Know If I've Been Roofied?

“Roofied” refers to the drug Rohypnol, the “date rape drug.” Today, the drug is banned in the US. The drug can be extremely difficult to identify because it is virtually tasteless, has no smell, and is otherwise undetectable once mixed into a drink. 

Consuming the drug results in amnesia, blackouts, and dangerous levels of sedation if mixed with alcoholic drinks. Rohypnol is a benzodiazepine, and the brand name of the drug flunitrazepam. The drug is considered a hypnotic drug, and in the 1970s, it was a prescription sedative.

Additional effects of the drug include drowsiness and reduced inhibitions. The lack of control that is experienced by this drug leaves one easily vulnerable to danger, including the manipulation and assault of sexual predators and other criminals. Although the drug is undetectable in alcohol, there are some warning signs you can look for if you suspect you may have been roofied. Read on to learn what to look out for to stay safe.

Be Aware of Warning Signs That Indicate You’ve Been Roofied

Some of the newer drugs that are used to “roofied” drinks have more identifiable indications you can note. For example, ketamine (an anesthetic) can result in hallucinations and loss of consciousness. Although it can dissolve in drinks, it does have a taste you can recognize.

The drug is bitter and creates dissociative effects. If you feel disconnected from reality or experience bursts of amnesia or related feelings, your drink may have been drugged. If you find it difficult to move or have become somewhat immobile, you may have been roofied.

Here are some other indications to look out for:

• Your drink turns blue. Light drinks, like vodka, can appear blue when mixed with roofies.
• You begin to feel tired and lethargic with no apparent cause.
• You are experiencing memory loss and related sensations.

Another important sign to look out for is feeling extremely drunk. If you’re aware you have not had more than you typically drink and you feel very drunk, you may have been roofied. Additional signs and symptoms that you may have been roofied include:

• brain fog
• decreased reaction time
• inability to make decisions
• fainting or blackouts
• extreme hangover upon waking the next day

Prevent Your Drink from Getting Drugged by Staying Cautious

It is a crime to drug someone’s drink. There are severe psychological consequences that occur from being roofied and any assaults or other crimes that may occur thereafter, including:

• memory loss
• PTSD symptoms
• irritability
• emotional reactivity
• paranoia

Avoid being roofied by never accepting drinks from strangers. Stay with your friends when you drink, and do not leave your drink unattended. Be aware of how your drink tastes, and throw it out if it tastes odd. If possible, make your own drinks.

Contact An Organization and Get Help

Sexual assault is a crime. If you or someone you love has been roofied and/or is a survivor of sexual or other physical assault, consider contacting an organization working in the defense and protection of assault victims.