Protect yourself!

Yesterday was very helpful to me to see that I may not have had the "flu" or been hung over. (3 drinks = 1 1/2 oz of vodka and Club soda in a tall glass with a lime. Over 4 hours time doesn't equal hang over in my world.) Thanks also to the helpful advice from everyone (IAI and her super cop instincts) I decided that I should help educate us "singles" out there on these preditory drugs. It just goes to show that even if you are drinking in a place that you have "friends" that there still might be people that want to prey on you. Perhaps I got "soft" in my time spent at my "home" bar, and even though I know almost all the patrons, I really dont KNOW them. I do think that I should provide and keep y'all from the horrible "flu" I had on Monday. I think it was an excellent time to review the drugs of choice out there: ( for publishing porposes I have taken excepts from and edited several sites from google.com for this post.)

What are date rape drugs? GHB, Rohypnol and Ketamine have become known as "date rape drugs" or "predatory drugs" because they are used to incapacitate someone for the purposes of committing a crime, often sexual assault. These drugs are odorless and colorless and can easily be slipped into someone's drink. They can cause dizziness, disorientation, loss of inhibition and a loss of consciousness. They can also produce amnesia, causing a victim to be unclear of what, if any, crime was committed. These drugs are particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol, although alcohol alone is still the drug most commonly associated with sexual assault. Read on for more specific information about date rape drugs.

GHB stands for gamma hydroxybutyrate, a central nervous system sedative often referred to by other names such as "Grievous Bodily Harm" and "Liquid Ecstasy." GHB can produce drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, seizures, severe respiratory depression, and coma. Overdose of GHB can occur quickly and can be fatal.

Rohypnol is a brand name for a powerful sedative that is often referred to as "roofies." Rohypnol is not legally available for prescription in the US and so just having it in your possession signals intent to commit a crime. Rohypnol may cause users to feel intoxicated; they may have slurred speech, impaired judgment, and difficulty walking. The effects are often felt within 10 minutes and can last up to 8 hours. Rohypnol can cause deep sedation, respiratory distress, and blackouts that can last up to 24 hours.

Ketamine is an injectable anesthetic that is intended for veterinary use. It is also known as Special K, K, Vitamin K or Cat Valiums. At high doses, ketamine can cause delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression, and potentially fatal respiratory problems. Low-dose intoxication from ketamine results in impaired attention, learning ability, and memory.

To protect yourself from date rape drugs, follow these suggestions:
Don't put your drink down. If your drink is out of sight, even for a few minutes, don't finish it. Get yourself a new one.

Don't accept an open drink from anyone.

If you order a drink in a bar, make sure you watch the bartender open the bottle or mix your drink.

Avoid punch bowls. You don't know what's in the punch.

IF you feel any of the symptoms of a date rape drug, get help immediately. Ask for a urine screening test. Though traces of the drug may still appear up to 72 hours after ingestion (depending on dosage, and individual metabolism) the chances of getting proof are best when the sample is obtained quickly.

THE BEST ADVICE IS TO BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND THE PEOPLE IN IT. IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS TAMPERING WITH YOUR DRINK...TELL SECURITY OR THE MANAGER. The worse thing that can happen is you are keeping yourself safe from the "flu" or worse physical problems. I reported this to the bar I went to and they offered to give me my money back and or a gift card to come back again....Well, we will see about the going back soon part.