How to Know If You Were Roofied: Signs and Symptoms

Having your drink spiked without your knowledge or consent is commonly called “being roofied.” And it can make sexual violence more likely. Another telltale sign of being roofied is a feeling of extreme fatigue or lethargy. This isn’t just the aftermath of a long night – it’s that killer exhaustion paired with confusion. If you found yourself fighting to stay awake or struggling to keep your eyes open, that’s definitely cause for concern! Your body might be responding to substances that disturb its natural balance.

You have gaps in your memory.

Express clearly what you’re feeling and why you suspect something might not be right. Someone who has been roofied will feel extremely intoxicated very quickly. They may suddenly feel more amorous and sexual and respond emotionally to others in ways that are not characteristic of them. The list of symptoms that appear at the top of a Google search “symptoms of being roofied” are vague, and difficult to distinguish from the symptoms of having too much to drink.

Moreover, you can get roofied even if you’re just drinking water or juice. The drug most commonly used in roofies, Rohypnol, is illegal in the United States and is classified as a Schedule IV substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Long-term misuse can lead to dependency, with withdrawal symptoms such as severe anxiety, tremors, and seizures.

Symptoms Of Being Roofied

Sexual assault is an awful crime that can be devastating for its victims. Anxiety and depression are also common among victims, who may experience persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Additionally, the trauma can lead to substance abuse as a coping mechanism, potentially resulting in addiction. If you suspect someone has been roofied or given a date rape drug, there are a few critical steps you can take to ensure their safety and well-being.

Brittany has 15 years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field. The symptoms of being roofied can be traumatic, and you may need help to deal with the side effects. Sunlight Recovery’s experts can help you deal with roofied symptoms by providing individual and group therapy sessions. Always keep an eye on your drink, whether you’re taking alcoholic beverages at home or a party, bar or club.

• However, it’s more common for victims to experience psychological issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Rohypnol is tasteless and odorless, which makes it very difficult to detect.
• Not knowing what happened can leave you feeling confused and vulnerable.
• Stick with friends and those you trust to ensure your safety in party situations.

Survivors who were raped or assaulted may feel sore or experience a sense that they have had sexual intercourse. The symptoms of being roofied can vary depending on the drug used, the dose, and how it has been mixed. These are some of the effects that can follow when roofies are mixed with alcohol or other beverages. GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) is a central nervous system depressant that is sometimes prescribed to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. It can produce feelings of confusion, drowsiness, and amnesia or sedate a person in large doses. GHB is also known as liquid X, liquid ecstasy, liquid E, easy lay, Georgia home boy, Gib, Goop, G, G-riffic, organic Quaalude, salty water, soap, scoop, or fantasy.

When combined with alcohol consumption, their effects are amplified, making the victim even more vulnerable. The dangers are further heightened when these drugs interact with other drugs that may already be present in the victim’s system, potentially leading to severe consequences such as overdose. If the person is unconscious, ask the doctors to test for date rape drugs in their system. Since some drugs take more than 10 hours to leave the system, the doctors may be able to detect the exact roofie drug that was administered and provide the appropriate treatment. Since spiking a drink aims to make the victim helpless, most drugs used to roofie cause muscle relaxation. Thus, alcohol is the most common and readily available date rape drug.

Which Drugs Are Used?

Understanding what it means to be roofied is crucial in recognizing the signs and consequences that can come with it. When someone says you were roofied, they’re referring to the act of having a drug slipped into your drink without your knowledge. This usually occurs in social settings, and it can lead to a chilling loss of control over your body and mind. If you are experiencing symptoms of being roofied and suspect someone has slipped you an illicit drug, call 911 immediately. Don’t drive, and don’t leave the area you’re at unless you’re in danger.

• Sometimes, a bitter or salty taste to your drink can be a sign that someone has added something to your drink without your consent.
• As soon as possible, tell someone you trust or a bystander that you think you’ve been drugged, so that you can make a record of whatever you remember and get medical care, Michonski said.
• Some people who have been roofied experience drowsiness and confusion long after they regain consciousness.
• It is also important to notify workers or managers if you are in a club or bar so that they can take proper action.

Signs Someone Has Been Roofied: What to Look For

Reporting the assault to law enforcement can initiate an investigation that may lead to the prosecution of the perpetrator. Additionally, working with an attorney who specializes in sexual assault cases can help victims navigate the legal system and pursue justice. These drugs are typically odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making them easy to slip into someone’s drink unnoticed.

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As soon as possible, tell someone you trust or a bystander that you think you’ve been drugged, so that you can make a record of whatever you remember and get medical care, Michonski said. Indications that you’ve been drugged and sexually assaulted include painful urination, genital pain, and possible genital bruising or tenderness, Riviello said. Understanding the what and how of “date rape drugs” improves your odds of avoiding it. Psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, explains what roofies are, how to spot them in action and what to do if you or somebody you know is drugged. If you think you might’ve been roofied, it’s important to take action right away. This unsettling experience can be incredibly confusing and scary, but there are steps you can follow to protect yourself and seek the help you need.

If you notice any suspicious behavior or feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and take appropriate action. It’s important to remember that your safety should always be your top priority. Remember, your safety and well-being are of utmost importance, and reaching out for assistance is a crucial step toward ensuring your recovery and holding those responsible accountable. By being aware of these symptoms, individuals can recognize the potential presence of a roofie and take immediate action to ensure their safety. It’s important to seek help from trusted and supportive friends, family, and therapists after an assault.

In fact, despite being a Schedule IV substance, possession, distribution and manufacturing of Rohypnol carry the same criminal charges as Schedule I substances such as heroin. You can take your freedom back by responding on your terms, on your timeline and in your way. Whatever you choose to do is the right thing — and it’s OK for that “right thing” to change over time.

Her skills extend to instructional design, facilitation, and management, making her a valuable trainer in her facility’s training programs. This amnesia (memory loss) is more likely to occur when a roofie is mixed with alcohol. In Australia, ketamine (sometimes called Special K) and gamma-hydroxybutyrate, (liquid ecstasy) are also commonly used.

Seventy-nine percent of those who reported being drugged were women, and women were more likely to experience sexual assault after being drugged. When slipped into an open drink, all these drugs result in similar symptoms – memory loss, lethargy, a drugged/drunk-like state. The effects of a roofie can last for several hours, during which the individual may experience memory loss and be vulnerable to dangerous situations.

Personal or group therapy for trauma survivors can provide stability, peace, and healing after the event, so you can enjoy your life again. Check-in with trusted friends or family members who can bring you to doctor’s appointments, help with day-to-day tasks, and help keep your spirits up. After seeking medical care, you will need to file a police report. Be sure that they will investigate and attempt to find out who drugged you. Tell them where you were and when you believe you were drugged so they can visit the crime scene and ask staff or witnesses if they noticed anything unusual. If you were at a bar, club, or public event, the police may be able to check the video footage to try to identify the perpetrator.

About 20 minutes after drinking that beer, I was extremely happy and conversing and about 10 minutes later I don’t remember anything. My boyfriend thought I was just really drunk so he was scared I was going to throw up in the lyft but was very surprised at how calm I was. We got home and I couldn’t stand up for the life of me so he puts me to bed. how to know if you been roofied Recognizing the symptoms of being roofied is crucial for identifying potential danger and seeking help promptly. The effects of these drugs can vary depending on the dosage, the individual’s tolerance, and the presence of other substances.