Drug Facilitated
Alcohol is a widely used legal drug and accepted as part of our culture. It is a mood altering drug which, when consumed in large quantities, can act as a depressant and also affect judgement, balance and co-ordination. Prolonged alcohol abuse affects major body systems and organs, including the liver and the brain. It has been used for countless years to facilitate sexual violation and has been seen as the major " rape drug", but now, other drugs that are more readily accessible and often cheaper than alcohol, are being used. These drugs have similar side effects to alcohol, but are much quicker to act and therefore more dangerous.

The drugs which are used, mentally and physically incapacitate victims, particularly when used in combination with alcohol and are capable of producing a condition in which events that occur during the time the drug is effective, are forgotten. It is illegal to possess or purchase most of these drugs, however, that does not reduce their availability or popularity.

These types of drugs are being used to spike alcoholic/non alcoholic drinks as a way to incapacitate potential victims, solely for the purpose of sexual violation. They can be detected through urine, blood and other tests although testing must be carried out as soon as possible following ingestion. Anyone who believes they may have been given drugs should be taken to a hospital Accident & Emergency, a doctor, the police or should call 999 for an ambulance. If at all possible, try to keep a sample of the drink believed to have been spiked for analysis.

Some precautions you can take: Be Aware
• Do not leave drinks unattended.
• Be careful whom you accept a drink from.
• At bars, only accept a drink from the bar staff.
• At parties, do not accept drinks from anyone other than trusted friends.

Be alert to the behaviour of friends. Be concerned if someone appears to be more drunk than they should be. There is a trend emerging in which rape/sexual assault victims, (female and male) have reported blackouts and memory loss that could not be explained by alcohol or other common recreational drugs. Putting substances in beverages has become an effective way to facilitate sexually violating crimes and it is on the increase.

If you or someone you know has been violated through having their drink spiked please call the centre for further information.