The Invisible Enemy: How Date-Rape Drugs Threaten an Epidemic of Ever-Growing Victims

Date rape drugs, also known as roofies, have threatened individuals’ safety since the 1990s.  Yet, recent upticks in documented cases of date-rape drug use in the Boston area threaten the onset of a public health crisis and epidemic.  Although this crisis calls for legislative change, public health officials have seemingly improperly addressed the issue. Unfortunately for Boston, this ignorance to the problem is leading to the rise in horror stories involving roofie use.  Individuals can take steps to help protect themselves during a night out, but these precautions will only go so far without proper acknowledgement by local police departments and legislative change.

Roofies come in many forms, but are most commonly known as GHB, rohypnol, and ketamine.  These drugs are clear liquids or dissolvable powders without a smell or taste, making them a popular choice for drink spiking.  After ingestion, the user can feel sleepy and relaxed, while also losing muscle control and their inhibitions.  Because these effects are comparable to the effects of alcohol, people experiencing them may believe they simply lost track of how much they drank or could not hold their liquor.