nuts4chic - current affairs
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by Nikki Cheneler Since the recent change of alcohol licensing laws in the U.K and the constant reports of female binge drinking, why does there still seem to be such a lack of awareness regarding drink spiking?
It seems that while most of us have heard rumours of someone that we know having experienced their drink being tampered with, it is still unclear how we can totally protect ourselves on a night out. So what are the myths and what is the truth? And what can you do to ensure that you and your friends always get home safely? Many of us became aware of the risk of drink spiking some years ago with numerous high profile cases such as the 2003 trial of Max Factor heir Andres Luster, who skipped his $1 million bail and fled to Mexico while facing 87 charges relating to date rape. Later on that year Essex police posed as glass collectors in a Chelmsford nightclub and found 1 in every 25 drinks contained drugs that can be used in cases of drug rape. They stated that these findings could be typical of clubs across the country. It seems that many of us become too complacent in relaxed social gatherings leaving ourselves vulnerable to this rapidly increasing risk. Some organisations suggest appointing one friend in the group the drink watcher every night out. But do these acts of caution put a dampener on the night? Apparently not, as it is often the case that once the first few carefully observed drinks have been consumed, the alcohol contributes to us sparking up conversations and accepting drinks from strangers, or heading for the dance floor without giving our unattended drinks a second thought.
But what are drinks spiked with? Most of the drugs used are colourless, odourless and virtually tasteless making them almost impossible to detect in drinks. The three main drugs used are Rohypnol, GHB (also referred to as liquid ecstasy), and Ketamine, (also referred to as K) which are commonly known on the street as Roofies. They take effect relatively quickly, acting after 15 to 30 minutes. Rohypnol is the brand name of a tranquilliser from a group of chemicals known as benzodiazepines, including Valium and diazepam. It is prescribed to sedate people and alleviate anxiety and insomnia. The danger arises when mixed with alcohol or other drugs, and among other effects it can case 'blackouts' lasting between eight and 24 hours. In an effort to reduce the misuse of the drug a blue dye has been added to the tablets, but the evidence in Chelmsford shows that this has not been as successful as anticipated. GHB was originally developed as an anaesthetic in the 60’s but was discontinued. It was used in the treatment of narcolepsy, alcohol withdrawal, and as a hormone stimulant by body builders. GHB is taken recreationally as an “upper” but in larger doses the anaesthetic effect takes hold and can lead to respiratory problems, induce coma and is potentially lethal, especially when mixed with other substances such as alcohol. Brought for as little as £5 on the Internet, GHB is often taken as a “party drug” and as an aphrodisiac. Concerns about its use in drug rape, its damaging effects on the body and the disturbing hallucinogenic effect, forced the government to reclassify it as a Class C drug and there has been talk of making it Class A alongside drugs such as heroin and cocaine. This would mean that people could face up to seven years imprisonment for possession.
Ketamine is frequently described as a "unique drug" because it has hypnotic (sleep producing), analgesic (pain relieving) and amnesic (short term memory loss) effects. Shortly after ingesting these drugs the person usually feels dizzy, disorientated, restless and upset. Many cases of drink spiking leave the victim being extremely sick and they may become extremely hot or extremely cold. Another symptom is an inability to speak or move and possible passing out. Many victims don’t have any recollection of what has happened when the drug has worn off and may experience flashbacks, regaining memories as time goes on. Although most information reported on the drugs used for drink spiking is correct, some myths do occur. For instance, a drug called Proesterex has been extensively spoken about. People have been informed that the purpose of this drug is for sterilising horses, and has been used in some drink spiking events, therefore sterilising it’s victims. This drug is a hoax and no product called Proesterex exists. The Roofie Foundation was established in 1997, and is Britain’s only specialised agency dealing with issues surrounding drug rape and sexual abuse. Their 24-hour help line provides valuable information and assistance to people who have experienced drug related sexual abuse. Roofie estimates that 70% of drink spiking is carried out for amusement and other reasons including to commit theft and extortion.
Roofie’s statistics, which are taken from their help line, show that figures of drug related attacks have progressively risen since 1990, reaching 1010 reported cases in 2003. It has been questioned whether these figures can be proved as, in some cases, the appropriate tests haven’t been taken, and it is thought that many suspected drug attacks go unreported. Graham Rhodes, founder of the Roofie foundation says, “We feel strongly that information about the danger of drink spiking should be dissipated to everyone in the country, the public, police, licensees and student campuses, but especially to all men and women who frequent pubs and clubs.” With statistics of attacks rising and the production of testing products on the increase (See boxes), it is hard to believe that many women who have experienced having their drink spiked report no help, and in some cases no belief of their drugging, from professionals. Some victims feel that doctors and police seem to assume that women who claim to have been drugged may just be plain drunk, therefore resulting in the appropriate tests not being taken in time. Most of the drugs used can only be detected if tests are taken quickly, as in time they decay in the body. Karen, who was drugged on a night out two months ago says, “ Some doctors label women drunk and argue that they, and the people that know them, don’t know the difference between being drugged and a riotous Saturday night out.”
In January The Mirror Newspaper claimed that a confidential police memo had revealed that a number of women have died after having their drinks spiked. They also reported growing fears that the use of date rape drugs was spiralling out of control. This definitely seems the case as now we are being warned not to accept cigarettes from strangers either, as they too can contain drugs. The cigarettes, that are commonly known as “fry” cigarettes can be dipped in many types of embalming fluids including PCP and angel dust. These drugs add an incredible level of danger causing toxic psychosis, hallucinations, delusions, unconsciousness and even death. The first victim of a “fry” cigarette was in September 2004 at a club in Swansea and The Roofie Foundation now suggests that you should never accept cigarettes from anyone and only smoke your own supply. There are also fears of your drink being spiked after a “fry” cigarette causes you to lessen your guard. Although it seems hard to imagine a night out being as fun if you have to be so conscious of a potential attack all night, there are some very simple rules to follow that will allow you and your friends to keep safe. Without letting fear take over the night we must remember that drink spiking can happen to any of us at any time. Singer Javine believed her drink to have been spiked last August and Lady Isabella Hervey shocked her Celebrity Love Island companions last year with the news that her drink was once spiked too.
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