Rohypnol, often referred to as “roofies,” is a substance most commonly known as a date-rape drug. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, “Sexual predators who administer Rohypnol to their victims typically slip the drug into a drink, often at a bar or party.”[1]

While large doses of Rohypnol incapacitate unsuspecting victims, some individuals may abuse smaller doses of the drug to experience a desired “high”. This substance is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, meaning it slows down activity in the brain. This can create feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and other effects similar to alcohol intoxication.

According to the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future Survey, “Nearly 2 percent of high school seniors in the United States used Rohypnol at least once in the past year”.[1]

Because of the frequency of Rohypnol abuse, individuals need to understand that this substance is addictive and extremely dangerous. If you or someone you love is struggling with Rohypnol addiction, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible.

What is Rohypnol?

Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is a benzodiazepine drug that causes similar effects to other central nervous system depressants like Valium or alcohol. While this drug is not legal or approved for medicinal use in the United States, other countries like Europe and South America use it for the treatment of sleep disorders like insomnia.

This substance is an extremely powerful sedative with the power to cause an individual to become unconscious within minutes of consumption. Rohypnol is typically found in tablet form, however, people may crush the drug up into a powder or dissolve it into a liquid.

Because Rohypnol is tasteless and odorless, predators may mix this substance into a victim’s drink to incapacitate them. Additionally, high amounts of this drug can cause individuals to become unconscious and experience retrograde amnesia. For these reasons, it has become one of the top date-rape drugs in America.

Street names for Rohypnol include:[2]

• Forget-me-pill
• La Rocha
• Roofies
• Circles
• R2
• Lunch money drug
• Mexican Valium
• Pingus
• Roach 2
• Ruffies
• Rophies
• Wolfies

The Effects of Rohypnol

Rohypnol produces effects similar to Valium, however, this substance is 10 times stronger. Once Rohypnol is consumed it enters the bloodstream extremely fast, often causing effects within 15-20 minutes. It is important to note that a 2-milligram pill is equivalent to drinking an entire 6-pack of beer. The effects and the potency make Rohypnol highly addictive.

This substance creates a state of intoxication that causes users to lose all inhibitions, experience extreme memory loss, and lose bodily control. The effects of this substance can last up to 12 hours depending on the dosage. Other symptoms of Rohypnol abuse include:

• Drowsiness or deep sedation
• Unconsciousness
• Amnesia
• Dizziness
• Impaired motor functioning
• Relaxation of muscles
• Confusion
• Impaired judgment and loss of inhibition
• Slurred speech
• Headaches
• Aggression and excitability
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Relaxation
• Slowed breathing or respiratory depression
• Memory loss and blackouts lasting up to 24 hours
• Poor decision-making skills
• Low heart rate and blood pressure
• Visual disturbances
• Overdose
• Coma
• Death

Is Rohypnol Addictive?

Individuals who abuse Rohypnol regularly will develop a dependency and tolerance for the drug. As a result, if an individual misses a dose of this substance they will experience symptoms of withdrawal. In other words, yes, Rohypnol is addictive.

While this drug is usually used by predators as a date-rape drug, some individuals begin abusing it to experience a high. First-time users will use smaller doses of the drug, rather than using the high doses that make this drug attractive to sexual predators. However, once someone abuses this substance on a long-term basis, they will have to continually increase their dosage to experience their desired effect.

Most people who abuse this substance mix it with other drugs to create a more desirable effect. For example, Rohypnol is commonly combined with alcohol or cocaine. Unfortunately, combining this substance with other drugs increases an individual’s risk of experiencing life-threatening side effects like respiratory depression, coma, and even fatal overdoses.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Rohypnol

People struggling with Rohypnol addiction will experience symptoms of withdrawal if they suddenly stop taking it. The symptoms of withdrawal may include:

• Headaches
• Muscle pain
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Tension
• Numbness
• Delirium
• Loss of identity
• Shock
• Insomnia
• Convulsions or seizures

Depending on how long an individual was abusing the drug and how much of the substance they took at a time, the symptoms of withdrawal may become severe. Seizures caused by Rohypnol withdrawal may occur for more than a week after the individual’s last dose. As a result, those facing Rohypnol addiction should attend a professional medical detox program.

Finding Help for Rohypnol Abuse and Addiction

Rohypnol is an extremely dangerous and addictive benzodiazepine drug that is typically used to facilitate date rape. However, some individuals have begun abusing this substance. Unfortunately, intentional Rohypnol abuse is most common among college students.

If you or a loved one suffer from Rohypnol abuse or addiction, professional addiction treatment can help. At Rehab Recovery Centers, our addiction treatment experts can help you get connected with a rehab facility that is right for you. Contact us today for more information on how to get help for yourself or a loved one.

References:

1. https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs6/6074/6074p.pdf
2. https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/rohypnol