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Rohypnol, another common date-rape drug, is not legal in
US. It is produced and sold by prescription in Europe and Latin America, then smuggled into
United States. Rohypnol can often be dissolved in a beverage and is undetectable. In combination with alcohol, it can induce a blackout with memory loss lasting 8-24 hours. The drug takes effect after roughly ten minutes. Victims of
drug report feeling dizzy and disoriented, and some become nauseated.
By taking preventive measures to protect yourself and your friends, you can avoid becoming a potential victim.
Here are a few helpful tips for staying aware, alert and safe:
•Do not accept drinks from anyone you don't know well. •If you are accepting a drink, make sure it's from an unopened container, and that you open it yourself. •If dancing, don’t leave your drink unattended. If your drink has been left unattended, toss it out. •Consider buying a specially designed drug testing coaster (see below) to test your drink for
drug. They are low-cost and a smart choice. •If your drink tastes or looks different than it should, if it tastes "funny" or has residue in it, throw it away. •Don't go to parties alone. •Assign a designated sober person when going out. •Be observant to
behaviors and actions of your friends. Trust your instincts. •Keep a charged cell phone with you in
event you have a problem and need help.
Please, share this information with your friends. Stay safe and vigilant, and remember that you are your own best protector.
Women’s Resources: If you have been
victim of rape and think that you may be pregnant, Lifetime can help. Call 1-800-923-6784. Drug testing coaster: a drop of liquid on a cardboard drink coaster can identify two of
most popular date-rape drugs. If
spot turns blue, toss that cocktail. Fifteen million of these coasters have already been distributed; look for them at 7-Elevens. See http://www.drinksafetech.com/. It runs about 50¢ a coaster. National Institute on Drug Abuse (Rohypnol and GHB) http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofax/RohypnolGHB.html
Copyright © 2005 Mardie Caldwell, C.O.A.P. Mardie@LifetimeAdoption.com All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this may be copied or sold without permission.

Mardie Caldwell, C.O.A.P. is the Founder of Lifetime Adoption (www.Lifetime.com) . She is an adoptive parent, the author of AdoptingOnline.com and Adoption: Your Step-by-Step Guide, and radio talk show host of “Let’s Talk Adoption…with Mardie Caldwell” at www.LetsTalkAdoption.com . Mardie has written numerous articles on parenting, adoption, travel, and finance. She and her husband have four children and live in Northern California.