Oh holidays! With mistletoe, trees, decorations, parties, and more on sale, this is the perfect season for crime. We are prone to let our guard down during this time, believing that everything will be merry and cheerful. And with a little awareness, it can work very well.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, “Date Rape”, one of the fastest growing drug-assisted sexual assault crimes in America today. Most of the time, this is how it happens: Illegal drugs are discreetly put into the drinks of unsuspecting victims at dance parties, bars, or nightclubs. Because these substances are colorless, tasteless, and odorless, the victim has no way of knowing that the drink they are about to consume will cause serious injury and leave them vulnerable. raped, taken to a private location, and eventually assaulted.
Drink spiking is the practice of putting foreign objects into a drink without your knowledge. It can be done with many different medications, with evidence showing that alcohol is the most popular. Many prescription and illicit drugs may be used.
There are many reasons to spike your drink, including pranks, sexual assault, theft/robbery, and even to aid in a kidnapping. It is one of the fewest reported crimes and as such lacks critical data to assess the true number of spike incidents and drug-related crimes. Alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages, raves, clubs, bars, pubs, restaurants, and even parties in private homes can occur anywhere drinking occurs.
There are some basic rules you can follow to protect you from this despicable act:
Drink Safe Technology Test
It can detect levels of GHB or ketamine that put someone in a semi-conscious state that can easily be taken away.
What is the drug of choice?
GHBMore
GHB, short for gamma hydroxybutyrate, is a central nervous system sedative, often referred to by other names such as “grave physical harm,” “liquid ecstasy,” and “fantasy.”
GHB was once sold in health food stores as a performance enhancer for body builders because it was thought to stimulate the production of growth hormone in humans. In 1990, the FDA banned the use of GHB due to reports of severe and uncontrolled side effects.
GHB can cause drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, seizures, severe respiratory depression, and coma. GHB overdoses can occur rapidly and be fatal.Since 1990, there have been 5,700 documented cases of GHB abuse in the United States, and more than 30 reported cases of sexual assault, leading to the drug’s use. 65 deaths have been reported due to
Most of the GHB in use today is a “homemade” mixture of various chemical ingredients, including solvents. Amounts taken can have very different effects.
GHB is available in both liquid and powder form
Ketamine
Ketamine is an injectable anesthetic approved for use in both humans and animals in medical settings since 1970. About 90% of the ketamine legally sold today is for veterinary use. Slang or street names are Special K, K, Vitamin K, or Cat Valium.
Ketamine gained popularity for abuse in the 1980s when it was recognized that high doses caused reactions similar to those associated with the use of phencyclidine (PCP), including dream-like states and hallucinations. is produced in liquid form or as a white powder that is often smoked or smoked in marijuana and tobacco products.
High doses of ketamine can cause delirium, memory loss, motor dysfunction, hypertension, depression, and fatal respiratory problems. cause. Because they are often colorless, tasteless, and odorless, they can be unknowingly ingested in addition to beverages.
References to ketamine in the emergency room increased from 19 in 1994 to 396 in 1999. Recent use has been reported more frequently among white youth in many cities, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, and Minneapolis/St. Paul, Newark, New York, Phoenix, San Diego, Texas, Washington, DC.
Rohypnol
Rohypnol is the trade name for flunitrazepam, a powerful sedative, often called by other names such as “roofies” and “roach.” In fact, the nickname “roofies” has become synonymous with all “date rape” drugs. Like its sister compound Valium, it is a benzodiazepam class of drugs, but is estimated to be 10 times more potent.
Rohypnol is not legally available by prescription in the United States, but it is legal in 60 countries for the treatment of insomnia. Rohypnol can make users feel intoxicated. You may be slurred, have poor judgment, or have trouble walking. Often the effects he feels within 10 minutes and lasts up to 8 hours. Rohypnol can cause deep sedation lasting up to 24 hours, difficulty breathing, and fainting. Overdose or death is possible, especially when mixed with alcohol or other drugs. Rohypnol is available in small white tablets that can be taken orally, mixed with drinks, or snorted.
In 1997, Hoffman-Laroche, the only legal manufacturer of Rohypnol, changed the formula of their product to combat the rising trend of “date rape” abuse. is much lower, giving the added drink a blue/green color.
what to do if spiked
If you think you’ve been spiked, find someone you trust and move them to a safe place. It is very important to obtain and test a urine or blood sample as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to keep the suspect drink in storage if possible. If you want to take action, please report the incident to the police as they will need these items for evidence.You can also contact your local sexual assault center for advice.
Be a little more careful and stay safe when going out to parties. happy holiday!
*Information provided by Drink Safe Technologies
www.drinksafetech.com.au
Angie M. Tarighi is CEO/Founder of the Women’s Self Defense Institute and personal safety expert, providing self-defense training, educational awareness and personal protection products that empower women to fight crime. .
Angie founded the Women’s Self Defense Institute to share safety and survival information, resources, products, training and advice with women at home and abroad dealing with a dangerous world. Angie brings humor and real-world examples to training that empowers women to leverage their strengths and become the best self-defense advocates.
We offer a variety of self-defense programs to individuals, employers, groups or organizations to raise awareness and reduce the risk of becoming victims of crime. From simple lunch & learning sessions to extended self-defense programs.
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