Rohypnol, a brand name of flunitrazepam, is generally in the form of white tablets and is taken orally. Rohypnol is odorless and tasteless.
Although illegal in the United States, Rohypnol is prescribed in over 60 other countries to treat severe sleep disorders and serious psychiatric disorders.
Rohypnol attracts young users because it is cheaply attained, with prices ranging from 50 cents to $8.00 per tablet.
Rohypnol is commonly used in club or "rave" party settings. "Raves" are all night parties known for their dance music and drug experimentation. Rohypnol may also be associated with gangs.
Rohypnol is now being described as a "street drug" because of its easy access.
Rohypnol is often taken with other drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and alcohol. When taken with alcohol, Rohypnol produces disinhibition and amnesia.
Heroin users use Rohypnol to enhance the effects of low-quality heroin.
Cocaine users have reported using Rohypnol to ease down from a cocaine or crack binge.
Rohypnol may become a gateway to harder drugs.
"DATE RAPE DRUG"
Rohypnol may be known as the "date rape drug" because men drop it into women's drinks, causing them to black out and creating a potential rape situation. Only 10 minutes after ingesting Rohypnol, a person may begin to feel dizzy, disoriented, too hot and too cold, and nauseated. He/she then may have a difficult time speaking, followed by passing out. Sedation occurs 20 to 30 minutes after administration of a 2-mg tablet and lasts for approximately 8 hours. The person has no recollection of the events which occur while under Rohypnol's influence.
Other names for Rohypnol are roofies, rophies, ropies, ruffies, roche, la rocha, roachies, rope, R2, mexican valium, rib, roofenol, and robe.
Rohypnol is ten times stronger than valium.
IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
· blackouts
· amnesia
· sedation
· muscle relaxation
· decrease in psychomotor performance
· drowsiness
· dizziness
· disorientation
· nausea
· disinhibition
· sense of fearlessness
· sense of aggressiveness
DEPENDENCE If a person uses Rohypnol over an extended period of time, he/she may become dependent upon it. This can be both physical and/or psychological dependence. Psychological dependence upon Rohypnol means that the person thinks she/he needs Rohypnol to function.
Physical dependence means that Rohypnol has altered the chemical balance with the body. Rohypnol is needed to maintain the altered chemical functioning with the body.
Physical dependence is characterized by withdrawal symptoms when Rohypnol use is suddenly discontinued.
The withdrawal symptoms for Rohypnol are:
· headache
· muscle pain
· hallucinations
· convulsions/seizures (can occur a week or more after last use)
· anxiety
· tension
· restlessness
· confusion
· irritability
Because Rohypnol is often used with other drugs, withdrawal treatment needs to address the symptoms of each drug dependence.
Prior to June, 1995, the Drug Enforcement Administration documented over 1,200 cases of Rohypnol possession in 13 states.
Within the past 5 years, Rohypnol use has risen among kids ages 8-10 years old, as well as high school and college students.
Abuse in the United States was first reported in South Florida in 1993. Since then, use has spread through Texas to other states. The illegal Rohypnol sold in the United States is typically diverted from sources, which are legal in Mexico and South America.
It is usually sold here in the original bubble packs of 1 or 2-mg tablets, which conveys a sense of legality and security.
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