More and more girls and women report they were sexually assaulted using a “date-rape drug”. Date-rape drugs can:

• Change your normal self-control or inhibitions (for example, you do things or act in ways you normally would choose not to)
• Reduce your level of consciousness (for example, you feel sleepy, you can barely move, you feel distant from yourself or the world around you, you pass out)
• Cause memory loss or confusion

These drugs can make it easier for a person to sexually assault you by controlling or overpowering you. There are several kinds of drugs used as date-rape drugs:

• Sedating drugs
• Alcohol
• Benzodiazepines (for example Lorazepam “Ativan”, alprazolam ”Xanax”, etc.)
• GHB (also known as Easy Lay, Liquid Ecstasy, Gib, natural sleep-500, or somatomax)
• Ketamine (also known as Special K, Kit Kat, vetalar, or ketaset )
• Stimulants, such as cocaine
• Socializers
• Amphetamines (Ecstasy – also known as E, or MDMA)
• Marijuana

Date-rape drugs can be given to you without your knowledge. For example, a date-rape drug can be slipped into a drink (which may or may not be alcohol) at a bar, party or other social event. Once dissolved, the drink itself can mask any colour or odour, so it cannot be seen or tasted. The drugs can lead you to do things you normally wouldn’t. Or they can make you feel so relaxed or lose consciousness so that you are helpless to sexual assault. They may also damage your memory, so that you cannot remember a sexual assault well enough to make an effective report to police.

Protect yourself from being drugged. At parties and social events, never accept a drink from anyone other than a trusted friend. Never leave your drink unattended. Watch out for yourself and your friends.

And be careful when you use any of these drugs voluntarily. Some people may try to assault you when you are drunk or high and easier to control or overpower. Plan for situations in which you may be vulnerable. Stay with trusted friends. Watch for unsafe places or people who may try to take advantage of your increased vulnerability to sexual assault.