Club and Date Rape Drugs

Protect yourself from possible sexual assault associated with club and date rape drugs.

Written By: Teens participating in the Summer Wellness Programs

Palo Alto Medical Foundation

“Club drugs” are drugs associated with parties, concerts and raves. They’re also known as “dance drugs” because they produce a trance state or a happy, relaxed feeling. They can also be used as “date rape” drugs.

Common club and date rape drugs include:

Ecstasy
Fentanyl
GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate)
GBL (gamma-butyrolactone)
Ketamine
Oxycodone
Rohypnol (roofies)

These drugs are dangerous and can lead to death. If you choose to use them, follow these precautions:

Never accept drugs from someone you don’t know.
Always know what and how much you’re taking.
Don’t mix club drugs with other substances, such as alcohol.
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

The good news is, teens aren’t using club drugs as often as they used to. For example, the national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) found that 11 percent of high school students had tried in ecstasy at least once in their life in 2001. This number has decreased over the years and dropped to 4 percent in 2017.

How Can Drugs Lead to Assault?

Club drugs can also be used as “date rape” drugs to help someone commit sexual assault against another person. Alcohol is the drug most commonly associated with sexual assault, but incidents involving other drugs happen, too.

Date rape drugs are given to someone without their knowledge to prevent that person from resisting, defending themselves against or even remembering a sexual assault or other crime. These drugs can produce confusion or amnesia, causing a victim to be unclear about what, if any, crime was committed. Date rape drugs are especially dangerous when combined with alcohol.

Keep in mind that a person doesn’t have to be on a “date” to be assaulted; a stranger can commit a crime using a date rape drug. Remember, these crimes are never the survivor’s fault. If you or a friend is assaulted, help is available. One resource is the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673; or use their online live chat hotline.

How to Protect Yourself

If you’re in social situations that involve alcohol or drugs, use these ways to help avoid sexual assault and protect yourself:

Go to parties with at least one friend, and watch out for each other. Find out each other’s plans for the night before going out.
Drink from tamper-proof bottles or cans, and insist on opening them yourself.
Insist on pouring or watching while any drink is mixed or prepared for you.
Don’t drink from group drinks, such as punch bowls.
Keep an eye on your drink or open beverage can. Don’t trust someone to watch it for you.
If you think you’ve been drugged, seek medical attention right away.
If someone passes out or seems to be “higher” than they should be and you suspect they may have been given drugs, call for medical attention immediately and explain your concerns.

Socializing with friends should be a fun, rewarding experience. Planning ahead, making safer choices and being aware of your environment can help everything go more smoothly.

Resources

Drug Guide from the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and the Center for Addiction
Office on Women’s Health: Date Rape Drugs
RAINN National Sexual Assault Online Hotline

Last reviewed: February 2020