NCJ Number
187234
Journal
Trauma, Violence, & Abuse Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2001 Pages: 51-55
Editor(s)
Jon R. Conte
Date Published
January 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Sexual assault by an acquaintance among young women and adolescents, referred to as date rape, is an increasing phenomenon.
Abstract
The use of drugs to induce amnesia and rapid victim sedation is becoming more common, and the lay press and Internet sites contain a great deal of information about date rape drugs. In contrast, there is very little information in the medical literature on the issue. The authors identify major drugs used in date rape as Rohypnol, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, Ketamine, and Ecstasy. These drugs are associated with sexual assault because of their amnesic potential, and they all share several features--central nervous system depression, impaired judgment and memory, and decreased motor control and inhibition. The modalities of detection for these drugs are discussed, as well as penalties for the possession, sale, or use of the drugs. 15 references and 1 table