What is the SACC Team?
The SACC Team
Contacting The SACC Team
What Is Sexual Assault?
If You Are Sexually Assaulted
Who to Tell If You Are Sexually Assaulted
Reporting Sexual Assault
Getting Medical Attention
Reactions To Sexual Assault
Male Survivors of Sexual Assault
LGBT Survivors
How Can You Help Someone Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted?
Can Sexual Assault Be Prevented?
Date Rape Drugs - The Facts
Common Date Rape Drugs
Reducing The Risk Of Being Drugged and Sexually Assaulted
Myths & Facts About Sexual Assault
How Can You Get Involved in Stopping Sexual Assault on Campus?
Support Services & Resources For Survivors
Self-Defense (Rape Aggression Defense)
Related Links

 
Phone: 202-994-SACC
Email: saccteam@gwu.edu

Date Rape Drugs - The Facts

Both women and men should be aware of the risk of having a date rape drug slipped into a drink. The misuse of alcohol or other substances to facilitate rape is not a new phenomenon; nor is recreational drug use. But the increase in reports of drugs used to facilitate sexual assault warrants renewed attention to combating the problem.

 

  • Date rape drugs are colorless, tasteless, and odorless substances that can be easily slipped into beverages undetected.
     
  • They are strong relaxants, the effects of which can be felt as soon as 15 minutes after ingestion. 

  • The side effects of date rape drugs can include: blackouts, coma, impaired judgment, memory impairment, dizziness, headaches, confusion and loss of coordination. 

  • Alcohol can intensify these side effects.  
     
  • Date rape drugs may cause memory loss.
  • Some date rape drugs only remain in the system for as little as 6-8 hours, making immediate testing imperative.  If a survivor believes s/he has been given a date rape drug they should seek medical attention immediately and ask medical personnel to administer a test for date rape drugs.

Common Date Rape Drugs

Reducing The Risk of Being Drugged and Sexually Assaulted


If you or a friend feels dizzy, confused or has other sudden, unexplained symptoms after drinking a beverage, call the police or 911 for help in getting to a hospital.  Request a urine test as quickly as possible because date rape drugs metabolize and leave the body in a matter of hours.