How to Recognize the Symptoms of Being Roofied to Protect Yourself and Others

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After a night out of drinking, you might find it hard to remember what happened. And even if you were careful, it can be easy for someone to slip something into your drink unnoticed. If you wake up one morning unable to remember anything after only having one glass of wine or a beer, it's possible your drink was drugged or "roofied." Knowing the symptoms of being roofied can help keep you and others safe.

What does it mean to be roofied?

"Being roofied" is a slang term that describes being drugged without your knowledge, often before an attempted sexual assault or rape. You may hear someone say, "I was roofied," to describe this experience.

The term "roofie" came about in the late '90s. Originally, it referred to the drug Rohypnol - or flunitrazepam - which was also known as the "date rape" drug. Rohypnol is a type of benzodiazepine, a class of medications that can make you sleepy. It can be added to cocktails or other drinks to sedate someone without their knowledge.

Although it's illegal to make or use Rohypnol in the U.S., it's legally made and used in other countries to treat certain conditions like insomnia.

Nowadays, "being roofied" doesn't only apply to Rohypnol. It may be used to describe any other drugs used before attempted sexual assault like:

• Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), which is available as a liquid or powder. It's colorless and odorless, but it can sometimes taste salty.

• Ketamine, which is another odorless, colorless, and tasteless drug often dropped in people's drinks as a pill that dissolves.

This is not a complete list. Essentially, any substance that interferes with your ability to think clearly and remember things can be used to roofie you. This includes substances like alcohol, marijuana, and sleeping pills.

Can you tell if you've been roofied?

It can be hard to know if you've been roofied before it's too late. Many of these drugs can be slipped into drinks without you noticing.

The name-brand version of Rohypnol has a blue core that dyes your drink a blue color. This feature was added to give people a clue that they may have been roofied. But the generic version of Rohypnol is colorless, and you might not see the blue hue if it's added to a dark drink.

Signs that your drink might have been tampered with include:

• Any powder residue in your cup

• Extra foam or unexpected fizziness

• An unusual color

• A cloudy appearance

Most of the time, you won't be able to tell just by looking at your drink, since most drugs have no color, odor, or taste.

It can be hard to tell if you've been roofied because the substance itself makes it hard to think clearly. The hallmarks of being roofied include mental fogginess and muscle weakness. If you feel way more drunk than you'd expect based on how many drinks you've had, consider that someone might have slipped something into your drink. Monitor closely for the symptoms below.

Symptoms of being roofied

Roofie drugs are designed to make you sleepy and weak, so that you don't fight back against a potential sexual assault. They usually start to take effect within 30 to 60 minutes, and the symptoms may last for up to 12 hours. If you have been roofied, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Mental fogginess

• Difficulty speaking or slurring your words

• "Blacking out" or losing your memory

• Trouble walking or feeling unsteady on your feet

• Feeling more intoxicated than expected based on how much alcohol you've consumed

• Passing out

• Headache

• Dizziness and confusion

• Nausea and vomiting

• A slower heart rate

• Slower breathing than usual

Sometimes, it might be easier to observe these signs in a friend than in yourself. It's important to know what to look for so that you can watch out for your friends, and they can do the same for you.

What to do if you think you've been roofied

If you think you or someone you know has been roofied, tell a friend and call 911 to get immediate medical attention. Symptoms can get worse quickly, so it's important to act fast.

The medical team can help keep your breathing and blood pressure stable until the drugs leave your system. A healthcare professional can also run tests to look for substances in your blood or urine.

Rohypnol and other drugs generally remain in a person's body for up to 24 hours. In some cases, they can be detected within 30 days of exposure.

If you're waiting for an ambulance or aren't able to seek immediate medical attention, take the following steps:

• Drink water

• Discard the roofied drink

• Avoid drinking more alcohol

• If you're alone, contact a friend or family member for support

• Tell the manager of the bar or venue

If you wake up the next morning and can't remember anything about the previous night, it's possible you were roofied. If you think you might have been sexually assaulted, you can have a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE) done within 72 hours to check for signs of assault. You can usually go to your local ER to get this done. To find a clinic or ER that can perform this exam, you can use the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network's (RAINN) local provider search tool.

Professionals recommend that you have the exam done before you change your clothing or shower. But if you've already done these things, you can still have the exam.

How to prevent being roofied

To prevent getting roofied, stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions when you're out. Here are some tips to lower your risk:

• Never leave your drink unattended: Keep your drink with you at all times, even if you step away.

• Don't accept drinks from strangers: Only accept drinks that you see being made or get them directly from the bartender.

• Make your own drinks: If you are at a party, mix your drinks yourself to make sure nothing extra is added.

• Beware of open drinks: Avoid things like punch bowls or other large, open containers in which drugs can be mixed in.

• Stick with your friends: Go out with friends you trust and keep an eye on each other throughout the night.

• Trust your instincts: If you feel like someone is trying to push drinks on you, or something feels off, listen to your gut and put that drink away.

Frequently asked questions

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