Teens Articles
LCC Guest column on Date Rape Drugs |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on May 02 2007 at 2:25 PM |
TO: Local Media
FROM: Linda Wilk, Hands of Hope Director, a division of Family Service Society, Inc.
RE: LCC Guest column on Date Rape Drugs
RE: LCC Guest column on Date Rape Drugs
DATE: March 12, 2004
Seventy-five percent of male students and 55% of female students involved in acquaintance rape had been drinking alcohol or using drugs.
Among the more popular drugs besides alcohol that teens are consuming is marijuana, liquid ecstasy, rohypnol, ketamine or GHB.
The Wabash County Local Coordinating Council is working in partnership with its member organizations such as local law enforcement and Hands of Hope, a division of Family Services to make the community aware of the dangers of drugs.
Not only is it illegal for teens to possess alcohol and for anyone to possess the other substances, it is also extremely dangerous. Consumption of these substances could lead to physical, emotional, sexual assault or even death.
As we focus on date rape and date rape drugs, as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, the Wabash County LCC wants teens, college students and adults to know how to stay safe and avoid being sexually assaulted or physically abused.
It is important for teens and parents to know some important information about each of the drugs that teens may come into contact with at a party. Some basic information about the more popular drugs is:
*GHB – usually clear, odorless liquid that is easily slipped into a drink. It causes short tem amnesia which means a person may not remember what happened while they were under the influence of the drug. It slows down breathing, possible vomiting, leads to unconsciousness, seizures and possibly death.
*Ketamine or Special K – After a slow onset that gradually takes effect, there is disassociation and distorted sense of reality.
*Rohypnol – a very potent drug similar to valium but 10 times more powerful. It resembles aspirin. Sedation occurs within 20 to 30 minutes and lasts four to 10 hours. It effects include extremely relaxed muscles, slowed down psychomotor responses and amnesia. This is considered the “in” drug in high schools and college campuses.
To avoid falling victim to one of these drugs follow these tips:
- Never leave your drink unattended.
- Only drink from unopened bottles or cans
- Avoid group drinks such as punch bowls or containers passed around at a party
- Be a friend – watch each other’s drinks
- Go to parties with a friend and leave with that friend
- Look out for each other – if someone appears that they have been drugged, get them medical attention immediately
