The Truth about Rohypnol
Rohypnol has been a concern for the last few years because of
its abuse as a "date rape" drug. People may unknowingly be given
the drug which, when mixed with alcohol, can incapacitate and
prevent a victim from resisting sexual assault. Also, Rohypnol may
be lethal when mixed with alcohol and/or other depressants.
Rohypnol produces sedative-hypnotic effects including muscle
relaxation and amnesia. In Miami, one of the first sites of
Rohypnol abuse, poison control centers report an increase in
withdrawal seizures among people addicted to Rohypnol.
Rohypnol is not approved for use in the United States and its
importation is banned. Illicit use of Rohypnol began in Europe in
the 1970s and started appearing in the United States in the early
1990s, where it became known as "rophies," "roofies," "roach,"
"rope," and the "date rape" drug.
