Club & Date Rape Drugs
"Club drugs" were given their name because of their association with parties, concerts and raves. These drugs are also known as "dance drugs" because they produce a trance state or happy, relaxed feelings.
Perhaps more dangerous than "club drugs" are "date rape" drugs, used to assist in the sexual assault of another person.
Club Drugs
Despite their popularity, club drugs are dangerous and can lead to death. However, if you choose to use these drugs, do it safely and follow these precautions:
- Never accept drugs from someone you don't know.
- Always know what and how much you are taking.
- Do not mix club drugs with other substances such as alcohol.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
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Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault
In recent years, drug-facilitated sexual assault has become a growing concern among health and community educators. A number of drugs have become known as "date rape drugs" or "predatory drugs" because they are used to incapacitate individuals for the purposes of committing a crime, often sexual assault.
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Date Rape Drugs
Alcohol is the drug most commonly associated with sexual assault, but incidents involving other drugs are on the rise. These drugs, also called "club drugs" because of their popularity in dance clubs and bars, can be unknowingly given to a victim, incapacitating the victim and preventing him or her from resisting a sexual assault or other crime.
These drugs can also produce amnesia, causing a victim to be unclear of what, if any, crime was committed. "Date rape drugs" are particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol. And, as with any coerced sexual activity, victims of drug-facilitated sexual assault cannot protect themselves from HIV, other sexually transmitted diseases, or unintended pregnancy.
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How To Protect Yourself
- Drink from tamper-proof bottles and cans and insist on opening them.
- Insist on pouring or watching while any drink is mixed or prepared.
- Do not drink from group drinks such as punch bowls.
- Keep an eye on your drink or open soda can. Do not trust someone to watch it for you.
- If you think you've been drugged, do not be afraid to seek medical attention.
- If someone passes out and you suspect he or she may have been given drugs, call for medical attention immediately and explain your concerns.
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Types of Drugs
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Below are links PAMF accessed when researching this topic. PAMF, however, does not sponsor or endorse any of these sites, nor does PAMF guarantee the accuracy of the information contained on them.
Fact Sheet: Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault. SIECUS. (2000). Shop Talk, 5(4) [Brochure]. Accessed February 2008.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. NIDA for Teens: The Science Behind Drug Abuse. Created with the help and advice of teens, presents information on the science behind drug abuse and has animated illustrations, quizzes, and games. Accessed February 2008.
Dance Safe. Accessed February 2008.
More information on date rape drugs