NCJ Number
186741
Date Published
March 1998
Length
67 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes research conducted in Florida between March 1996 and March 1997 regarding the abuse of the drug flunitrazepam (Rohypnol).
Abstract
Information came from 63 interviews in Miami, 9 interviews in Gainesville, and 20 interviews in Tampa. Results revealed that 62 participants acknowledged the use of tablets known by the street name of roofies, as identified when sold to them. Other street names included roches, shays, roofinol, and others. Participants most often used roofies in combination with alcohol, marijuana, or both. Some participants reported using roofies to reduce the after-effects of cocaine or Ecstasy. Some used roofies to self-medicate withdrawal or to augment the effects of heroin or methadone. They usually purchased roofies through the street drug market. Some participants were aware of the possibility of using roofies or other drugs for sexual purposes, although few knew of specific instances of it, even though the media has focused on date rape and sexual assault purportedly involving roofies or Rohypnol. Findings indicated the usefulness of information about emerging drug abuse patterns and the need for drug education that prepares youth to cope with exposure to drugs of abuse. Findings also suggested that justifying legislation to reduce the availability of Rohypnol on the grounds of preventing date rape can be counterproductive and that discussing drug-related sexual assault as if it is widely practiced can serve to make some individuals regard such behavior as legitimate. Tables, footnotes, appended table, and 45 references