Rohypnol

Data Sheet

Rohypnol

What are Roofies?
“Roofies” is the street name for Rohypnol — a powerful sedative belonging to the benzodiazepine class, similar to Valium and Xanax. While Rohypnol is legal for medical use in some countries, it is illegal in the United States.
It is notoriously known as a “date rape drug” due to its ability to cause extreme sedation, unconsciousness, and memory loss when slipped into someone’s drink without their knowledge.

Prevalence of Rohypnol Use
In surveys involving sexual assault victims, about 10% to 20% of incidents involve a suspected drugging, with Rohypnol or similar sedative substances being the most commonly suspected drugs.

Note: It’s difficult to detect Rohypnol after the fact because it disappears from the body quickly.

3% of students report being given a drug like Rohypnol without their consent (2023 statistic)

Synthetic drugs like K2/Spice are a growing concern, as they mimic the effects of marijuana but come with a far higher risk of serious health issues and overdose.

Unlike natural cannabis, which has been used safely for centuries, K2/Spice is laced with synthetic chemicals that are both unpredictable and far more potent than THC. These man-made compounds pose significant risks, as they can disrupt brain function in dangerous ways, triggering severe physical and psychological side effects. This has led to a growing concern among health experts and policymakers, who are trying to understand the impact of synthetic cannabis on individuals and society as a whole.

Synthetic cannabis has gained popularity in recent years due to its easy accessibility and perceived legality. However, these products are often labeled as “not for human consumption” and sold under the guise of being potpourri or incense. As a result, many people may not realize they are consuming dangerous substances until it is too late.

Signs of Roofies Use

Recognizing the signs quickly is critical:

  • Sudden disorientation or confusion
  • Extreme drowsiness or sudden unconsciousness
  • Inability to remember events (amnesia)
  • Difficulty speaking or forming sentences
  • Indecisiveness or uncharacteristic behavior
  • Intensified hangover symptoms the next day
  • Unusual increase in sexual behavior or vulnerability

Effects of Roofies

  • Extreme drowsiness or sleep
  • Deep sedation or unconsciousness
  • Amnesia or blackouts (inability to remember events)
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Impaired reaction time and motor coordination
  • Slowed breathing and heart rate
  • Impaired judgment and confusion
  • Slurred speech and headache
  • Aggression or unusual excitability

How are Roofies Used?

  • ORAL (Typically taken by swallowing tablets or
    unknowingly consumed when mixed into drinks.)

Common Street Names for Roofies

La Rocha | Lunch Money Drug | Mexican Valium | Pingus | Wolfies | Roach 2 | Ruffies | Circles | Forget Me Pill

Risks and Concerns

Because roofies are often tasteless and colorless when dissolved, they can be unknowingly consumed, placing individuals in vulnerable situations. We are called as followers of Christ to protect and care for one another. Be vigilant by keeping watch over your drink at gatherings, avoiding open drinks from unfamiliar individuals, and being attentive to the well-being of those around you in social settings. Look out for your friends and loved ones, standing as a safeguard for their safety.