ROHYPNOL ADDICTION
ROHYPNOL ADDICTION
What is Rohypnol?
Rohypnol is the brand name for the drug flunitrazepam, a medication often used in Europe and Latin America as a short-term treatment for insomnia. The drug has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and its manufacture, sale, importation or use is illegal in the United States. In 1997 the U.S. Sentencing Commission increased the penalties associated with the possession, trafficking and distribution of Rohypnol to those of other illegal drugs such as heroin and marijuana.
Rohypnol depresses the central nervous system, and it is often used to lessen the depression that often results from abusing stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Although classified as a depressant, Rohypnol may cause aggression or excitability.
Because one of the most significant effects is short-term amnesia, the drug has also been used in the commission of sexual assaults. Victims often have no memory of what occurs while under the drug’s influence. Sometimes called “the date rape drug,” Rohypnol is known by other slang names such as forget-me drug, roche, roofies and ruffies.
Rohypnol is manufactured as a caplet. The manufacturer’s caplets are dull green with a blue core which, when added to drinks, dyes the liquid blue. However, generic versions of the drug may be in tablet form, and may not contain this dye.
Rohypnol abusers may swallow the caplets whole, crush the caplets and then snort the powder, or dissolve the caplets in liquid and then inject the drug. Those who use Rohypnol to commit sexual assault typically slip the drug into a drink. To hide the blue dye, the drug may be put into colored drinks, or the beverage may be served in a colored cup or glass. Rohypnol’s effects usually occur within 15-20 minutes, and may last for more than twelve hours.
Rohypnol abuse
Individuals who abuse Rohypnol often experience drowsiness, headaches, memory impairment, dizziness, nightmares, confusion, tremors, gastrointestinal disturbances and urinary retention. Additionally, those who inject the drug face the risks of any intravenous drug users. They may contract HIV, hepatitis B or C, and any other blood-borne diseases.
High doses of Rohypnol, especially when combined with other depressants such as alcohol or heroin, can cause severe sedation, depression, unconsciousness, a slowed heart rate, and an inability to breathe properly, which may result in death.
Besides the risks associated with the drug itself, some who abuse Rohypnol may put themselves in danger of sexual assault. Many sexual predators secretly put the drug into a victim’s drink, but they often openly offer it to the victim, who may not understand the effects it will produce, or the severity.
Withdrawal from Rohypnol
Abusers of Rohypnol may develop physical and psychological dependence. Users experiencing withdrawal from the drug may suffer a variety of symptoms:
• Abdominal pain
• Aching
• Agoraphobia
• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Shaking and muscle spasms
• Diarrhea
• Flu-like symptoms
• Hair loss
• Heart palpitations
• Insomnia
• Lethargy
• Nightmares
• Panic attacks
• Paranoia
• Severe headaches
• Sore mouth and tongue
• Sweating
• Suicidal thoughts
Treatment
Addiction may develop within just a few weeks after starting use of Rohypnol. A significant tolerance may develop, and suddenly stopping use of the drug can be dangerous because of its effects on the central nervous system. It is highly recommended that anyone suffering from addiction to Rohypnol seek treatment from a reputable treatment center.
If you or someone you know is facing an addiction to Rohypnol, help is available from a professional and reliable Traditional or Christian drug rehab and alcohol treatment center. Please contact the Transformations Treatment Center admissions office today at (866) 211-5538.
Transformation Treatment Center, a leading popular Traditional and Christian drug treatment center, also offers treatments for
Opiate, Cocaine, Lortab, Ritalin, Hydrocodone, and other addiction problems.
