Sexual Assaults Combined with Drugs and Alcohol

There has been a steady rise in drug-facilitated sexual assaults in Humboldt County. These drugs may include GHB and Rohypnol. What are they?

Rohypnol, known as "Roofies," and GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) are depressants that can cause dizziness, disorientation, loss of inhibition, loss of consciousness and memory, especially when mixed with alcohol, and even death if excessive amounts are ingested. Both are odorless, colorless and tasteless, so you may not realize if someone slips one of them into your drink. Because they may cause loss of consciousness, ingesting them may put you at a risk for sexual assault.

How can you protect yourself?

• Don't put your drink down. If your drink is out of sight, even for a few minutes, don't finish it.
• Don't accept an open drink from anyone. If you order a drink in a bar, make sure you watch the bartender open the bottle or mix your drink.
• Don't drink from punch bowls.

Make a pact with your friends to watch out for each other. Have a designated sober person keep track of the people they came with. Any sudden or extreme change in sobriety may be a sign of foul play.

If you think you have been given a drug without your knowledge, immediately call 911 and get medical help. Ask for a blood and urine screening test. Though traces of the drug may still appear up to 72 hours after ingestion (depending on dosage and individual metabolism), the chances of getting proof are best when the blood and urine sample is obtained as soon as possible.

Remember that alcohol is still the #1 substance linked to sexual assaults.