Roofies use increases
By Brad Ramsay
Summer Reporter
Rohypnol, more commonly known as roofies, has become
a very common term on Purdue's campus.
Jeff Dunscomb, detective lieutenant for the West
Lafayette police department, said the drug has become more popular and
its use seems to be increasing.
According to the Web site www.teenschallenge.com,
Rohypnol acts as a tranquilizer, similar to Valium, yet is 10 times more
potent. It produces sedative effects, including amnesia, muscle relaxation
and slows down psychomotor performances.
Rohypnol made its way into the United States in the
early 1990's, and two years later, police began receiving calls from some
states reporting abuse of the drug.
One of the largest concerns about roofies is its
use as a date rape drug. There have been reports of people slipping unknown
substances into other people's drinks at bars and parties.
Steve Dietrich, captain of investigation for the
Purdue police department, said campus has not had a single confirmed case
of rohypnol abuse. However, this does not mean that rohypnol is not on
campus.
Dunscomb said Rohypnol only stays in the body for
24 to 48 hours and then there is not a trace of it left in the blood stream.
The drug depresses the body 10 times more than a
hangover. As a result, people usually won't report the incident until
three days later.
The Web site said the drug is common throughout all
socioeconomic classes of people because it's relatively inexpensive, at
$2 or $3 a pill.
Dunscomb said the low cost of the drug is probably
one of the reasons it is popular on campuses and appeals to the middle
and upper class.
According to the Web site, rohypnol appears to be
spreading in the United States among high school and college youth. It
is becoming popular with gangs and is also becoming known as a club drug.
Using the drug consistently can lead to a physical
and psychological dependence. The drug is consistently sold in its original
bubble packaging, giving an illusion of legality.
Dietrich said because the drug has been around for
a long time people are familiar with many of its potential dangers and
increased their levels of concern.
Dunscomb offers these tips for protecting oneself
when out at a party or bar: always be aware of your surroundings, know
who is mixing your drinks and keep whatever you are drinking with you
at all times.
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