Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer
THE PARTY season will be in full swing by this weekend. Absolute Temptation Isle kicks off, followed by Appleton Treasure Island and shortly thereafter, Reggae Sunsplash.
However, with all the revelling, young partygoers should be careful when drinking because of dangerous substances such as 'date rape drugs'.
The term 'date rape drug' usually applies to Rohypnol tablets. Medically and appropriately, the drug is used in the short term in the treatment of insomnia. But in recent years, rapists have been using the drug at parties on potential victims.
Technically, any substance that renders one incapable of saying no or asserting one's self, needs or feelings, is considered a date rape drug. Other dangerous substances include alcohol, marijuana or street drugs like Ecstasy, over-the-counter sleeping pills and antihistamines.
PRESENCE
Though the use of date rape substances might be relatively unfamiliar to the Jamaican society, there have been reports of its presence. So says Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, director of information and research at the National Council on Drug Abuse. "I don't want to raise a panic, however, we have had scattered reports that are primarily anecdotal about the use of the drug Rohypnol, particularly at the night club scene," she says.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ROHYPNOL
It is undetectable, tasteless, odourless and colourless.
It is easily slipped into drinks and foods.
It makes the victim unconscious but responsive with little or no memory of what happens while the drug is active in their system.
The drug makes the victim act without inhibition, often in a sexual or physically affectionate way.
Recently, manufacturers have changed the colour of this drug from white to blue. Being known as the 'date rape drug' was one of the reasons why the colour was changed
After ingestion, Rohypnol works within 15 to 20 minutes. Still, it works faster when taken with alcohol.
Ms. Campbell-Grizzle, however, states that, "Rohypnol is more used in discreet settings and its use is not as pervasive as alcohol or ecstasy." However, that does not say that women should not be aware of their surroundings.
"Watch your drinks and friends should watch out for friends," she says.
EFFERVESCENT FEELING
Ecstasy, which causes one to become hyper-active, was found to be quite popular in the exotic arena. "The drug makes you have an effervescent feeling," says Ms. Campbell-Grizzle. Unlike, Rohypnol, after ingesting Ecstasy, one is more aware of one's surrounding. It provides a lot of energy and enables the ingested to be the 'life of a party'. "Ecstasy makes you feel loveable and in a mood to hug, feel warm and cuddly, and become more vulnerable to sexual advances."
Ecstasy comes in the form of liquid, powder and tablets. It is imported illegally or manufactured locally. The ingredients to make the drug are easily available and the formula is posted on the Internet. It has also been
reported that ecstasy can be passed through the air conditioning vents at parties. So, be careful when you are out this party season and do not leave your drink unattended.
Additional source: http://teenadvice.about.com/library/weekly/aa062502a.htm.
