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The Niagara Region
is one of the safest places in the world. To help make it safer, the Niagara
Regional Police has compiled the information that follows with the assistance of the Brock University Campus Police Services.
WHAT IS
ROHYPNOL?
Rohypnol (pronounced row-hip-nol) is the brand name of
flunitrazepam (a benzodiazepam). It is a sedative, which milligram for milligram is
ten times stronger than valium. It is similar in size, shape and colour to Aspirin.
The pill is a small white tablet that is single or cross-scored on one side and has
the word "ROCHE" and a circled numeral 1 or 2 on the other side.
Rohypnol dissolves easily in juice, coffee, carbonated and alcoholic
beverages. It is colourless, odourless, and tasteless when dissolved in any liquid.
The effects of this drug are enhanced when mixed with alcohol,
causing sedation, loss of inhibitions, relaxation, blackouts and amnesia. It can
also cause respiratory depression, comas and even death.
The drug takes effect in 20 minutes and the effects may last for up
to 8 - 10 hours.
Rohypnol's amnesic effects usually leaves the victim with little or
no memory of the assault.
The drug is distributed in its original "bubble packaging"
which adds an air of legitimacy and makes it appear to be legal.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Rohypnol can cause quick intoxication, drowsiness, dizziness,
disorientation, impaired judgement and co-ordination, memory loss, simultaneous hot and
cold flashes, nausea, and difficulty in speaking and moving.
STREET NAMES
Rohypnol is sold illegally on the street using any one of the
following names:
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Rophy
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Roofies
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Rope
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Ropies
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Roachies
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Mind Erasers
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Stupefi
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Trip-and-fall
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WHAT IS
GHB?
GHB is Gamma Hydroxy Butrate. It is a powerful synthetic drug that acts as a
depressant on the central nervous system.
GHB is an illegally manufactured drug, and there are concerns
because it is made by
"kitchen chemists" and there is no quality control.
GHB is rapidly metabolized by the body, and the effects can be felt within 15 minutes
after ingestion.
GHB is usually found in liquid form that is colourless and
odorless and has no taste
when mixed with a drink. Depending on the way it was produced, there may be a slight
salty aftertaste. Since the actual amount of GHB consumed is unknown, the risk of
toxic effect is great.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
GHB can cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, respiratory
depression, unconsciousness, coma and possible memory loss.
STREET NAMES
GHB is sold illegally on the street using any one of the following
names:
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Grievous Bodily Harm
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Liquid Ecstasy
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Liquid X
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G
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Georgia Home Boy
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Vita-G
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Gamma 10
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Gook
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Easy Lay
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G Juice
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Soap
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CONCERNS
Rohypnol is not legally available in Canada or the U.S. It is
manufactured in Mexico and is available by prescription in over 60 countries.
It is difficult to predict the effects of any drug on an individual,
as it will vary depending on the dosage, on whether alcohol was involved, your own body's
metabolism and how soon you receive medical assistance.
Benzodiazepam drugs such as valium and halcion have been available
for illicit use in Canada and have been implicated in drug induced sexual assaults.
Rohypnol and GHB are just the latest of these drugs to be used for this purpose.
As of April 1998, both Rohypnol and GHB are subject to the
provisions of Schedule III of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, making it illegal
to distribute or possess these drugs in Canada.
Sexual violence is often linked with substance abuse and anyone's
best defence is knowledge.
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YOU
MAY HAVE BEEN DRUGGED IF ...
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You feel a lot more intoxicated that your usual response to the
amount of alcohol you consumed ...
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You wake up feeling confused, experiencing memory lapse and cannot
account for a period of time ...
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You took a drink but can't remember what happened to you after you
drank it ...
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You feel that someone had sex with you but you can't remember any or
all of the incident ...
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IF IT HAPPENS
TO YOU ...
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Tell someone you trust.
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Get medical attention as soon as possible.
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Try to collect a urine sample in a clean container in the first 24
hours after the assault. (This may be your only evidence linking the drug to the
crime).
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Don't destroy any of the evidence by showering or washing. Do
not disturb anything in the area where the assault occurred.
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Report the incident to the police, your local rape crisis centre or
the hospital emergency department.
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Talk to a counsellor for support. Your emotional and physical
health is important.
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Believe in yourself. No one invites, causes or deserves to be
sexually assaulted. What happened to you is a criminal offence. You are not to
blame!
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AVOID BECOMING
A VICTIM
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Do not accept open drinks at parties, particularly from strangers.
If your drinking from a bottle, open it yourself or watch the bartender pour it.
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Never leave your drink unattended. If you ask someone to watch
it, make sure it is someone you trust.
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Never go out to a bar, party or social event alone. Go with a
trustworthy friend.
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Be aware of what is happening around you. Be suspicious of
persons who tamper with your drink, or insist that you take a drink provided by them.
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Never leave a bar or club with someone you have just met, especially
if you are feeling intoxicated.
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If you believe you may have ingested a drug, seek medical attention
immediately.
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Don't drink anything that has an unusual taste or appearance (i.e.
salty taste, has excessive foam or residue).
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Do not mix drugs and alcohol.
A printable version of this document is also available to view and download.
To find out more, click HERE
to visit the Just the FAQs
section of our Web site.
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