Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)

Street terms for Rohypnol: R-2, Mexican Valium, rophies, roofies, circles

What is the form of Rohypnol?

• Rohypnol is manufactured in pill form. The licit market for the drug is currently supplied with a 1-milligram dose in an olive green, oblong tablet, imprinted with the number 542. The new tablet includes a dye that, according to Hoffman-La Roche (the makers of Rohypnol) will be visible if it is slipped into a drink.

What are the methods of usage?

• Rohypnol is usually taken orally in pill form, but can also be crushed and snorted.

Who uses Rohypnol?

• In Latin America and Europe, the medicine is prescribed to patients as a short-term treatment for insomnia, and as a preanesthetic medication.
• Rohypnol continues to be abused among teenagers and young adults, usually at raves and nightclubs.

How does Rohypnol get into the United States?

• Rohypnol is usually smuggled into the United States by way of mail or delivery services.
• The drug remains readily available, mainly through pharmaceutical operators located in Mexico, especially Tijuana.

How much does Rohypnol cost?

• Reports indicate that Rohypnol is often sold for between $2 and $5 per dosage unit, although it may sell for from $10 to $30 per dosage unit.

What are some of the consequences of Rohypnol use?

• One of the significant effects of the drug is anterograde amnesia, a factor that strongly contributed to its inclusion in the Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act of 1996. Anterograde amnesia is a condition in which events that occurred while under the influence of the drug are forgotten.
• In addition to the chemically induced amnesia, Rohypnol often causes decreased blood pressure, drowsiness, visual disturbances, dizziness, confusion, astrointestinal disturbances, and urinary retention.
• Development of physical and psychological dependence.

GHB (Gamma hydroxybutyric Acid)

Street Names: Liquid Ecstasy, Scoop, Easy Lay, Georgia Home Boy, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid X, and Goop

What are the different forms of GHB?

• An odorless, colorless liquid form
• White powder material

How is GHB used?

• Usually ingested in a liquid mixture; most commonly mixed with alcohol

Who uses GHB?

• GHB has become popular among teens and young adults at dance clubs and “raves.”
• Body builders sometimes use GHB for its alleged anabolic effects.

How does GHB get to the United States?

• Because the drug is easy to synthesize and manufacture, local operators usually handle distribution.

How much does GHB cost?

• GHB is usually sold by the capful, and sells for $5 to $25 per cap.

What are some consequences of GHB use?

• In lower doses, GHB causes drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and visual disturbances.
• At higher dosages, unconsciousness, seizures, severe respiratory depression, and coma can occur.
• Overdoses usually require emergency room treatment, including intensive care for respiratory depression and coma. As of November 2000, DEA documented 71 GHB-related deaths.
• GHB has been used in the commission of sexual assaults because it renders the victim incapable of resisting, and may cause memory problems that could complicate case prosecution.