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Alcohol & Drugs

Many people mistakenly believe that "taking advantage" of a person who is drinking, on drugs, or passed out is not rape. According to Oregon State law an individual who is "mentally incapacitated," including under the influence of alcohol or drugs, cannot consent to sexual intercourse. Nor can an individual give consent when she or he is passed out.

Alcohol and drugs put a person at higher risk for sexual assault. When intoxicated perceptions about what is happening around and to a person may become blurred. One's ability to resist an attack is lessened. Some perpetrators purposely"feed" others alcohol or drugs before coercing or forcing them into sex in order to reduce their defenses.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a factor in 90% of sexual assaults that occur on college campuses. ¹

Frequently people underestimate the impact of alcohol. Many people who thought they had been drugged and were tested actually had a high level of alcohol in their system and no other drugs. People who consume too much alcohol can become targets for individuals or groups of individuals who are "scouting" for a victim.

The effects of alcohol include:
• lowered inhibitions
• impaired judgment
• confusion
• dizziness
• impaired coordination
• impaired motor functioning
• memory loss or blackouts
• unconsciousness

Rohypnol

Rohypnol, or "roofies," is a prescription sleeping medication that is illegal in the United States. It most commonly is produced as an odorless, colorless, and tasteless tablets that dissolves quickly in liquid. It can easily be slipped into a victim's drink without their knowledge. An individual who has been given a "roofie" may appear to be very drunk, after drinking a small amount or no alcohol at all.

The effects of "roofies" are similar to those of alcohol, including:
• lowered inhibitions
• impaired judgment
• confusion
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• lethargy
• impaired motor skills
• amnesia
• serious complications, including coma or even death can occur if Rohypnol is consumed in high amounts and/or combined with alcohol.

GHB

GHB, or gamma-hydroxybutyrate, has never been approved in the United State for any medical use. GHB was added to Schedule I of the federal Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal to possess, manufacture, and distribute. GHB is most commonly produced as a clear liquid, which is colorless and odorless. Sometimes it is found as a powder, or in a capsule. Because of its similar appearance to water and its slightly salty taste, GHB is often referred to as "salt water" or "water." Other common names for GHB include "Georgia Home Boy" or "Grievous Bodily Harm." Most GHB found today is "homegrown" by non-professionals in their homes. There can be significant differences in the purity, concentration, and potency when GHB is made, making its effects extremely unpredictable.

The effects of GHB can include:
• deep sedation
• unconsciousness
• nausea or vomiting
• vertigo
• respiratory depression or arrest
• seizures
• coma
• GHB can be very dangerous, and even lethal, when combined with alcohol.

Reducing the Risk of Substance-Related Rape²

Substance-related rape has been occurring more frequently in recent years. Although the often tasteless drugs are hard to detect, there are precautionary steps one can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of this crime.

• Do not leave beverages unattended.
• Do not take any beverages, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, from someone you do not know well or trust.
• Accept drinks only from the bartender or server.
• Do not accept open-container drinks from anyone.
• Be alert to the behavior of friends. Anyone appearing disproportionately drunk in relation to the amount of alcohol they have consumed may be in danger.
• Share information about substance-related rape with friends and talk about way to look out for each other when you are at parties and social events.
• Anyone who believes they have consumed a sedative-like substance should go to a hospital emergency room or call 911 for an ambulance. Try to keep a sample of the beverage for analysis.

What to Do If You Think You Have Been Drugged²

If you or someone you know feels dizzy, confused or have other sudden, unexplained symptoms after drinking a beverage you should seek medical attention.

• Get to a safe place and call a friend, family member, a rape crisis center, the police, or 911 for information and assistance.
• Determine whether or not you want to report the incident to the police.
• Get medical care at the hospital, student health, health clinic, or your personal physician's office for treatment of any side effects or injuries.
• Request that a drug test be done to detect the presence of alcohol or drugs. Chances of getting proof are best when the sample is obtained as soon after the substance has been ingested, but depending on the substance used, the test can be reliable even on a sample obtained 72 hours after the incident. Testing is available through the Emergency Department at Good Samaritan Hospital.

References

1. U.S. Department of Justice
2. Adapted from "Turning Anger into Change," DC Rape Crisis Center

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