What is a Roofie? Understanding Risks, Effects, and Recovery

What is a Roofie?

The word roofie is a slang term commonly used to refer to a range of substances that can be used to spike drinks without the victim’s knowledge. These drugs are often classified as rape drugs due to their use in sexual assault cases. The most well-known roofie is Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), but other common drugs include GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) and ketamine.

While benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat insomnia and anxiety, Rohypnol is not approved for medical use in the United States because of its abuse potential.

The drug gained notoriety in the 1990s as a common drug for drink spiking. In small amounts, it creates relaxation and drowsiness. In high doses, it can cause loss of muscle control, unconsciousness, and dangerous drops in heart rate. Combined with alcohol, its effects become even more severe, leading to blackouts and increased risk of assault.

Overview of Common Roofie Drugs

• Rohypnol: A powerful sedative and strong hypnotic drug. Not legally available in the U.S. but still commonly involved in assault cases due to illegal importation.
• GHB: Sometimes called the “liquid ecstasy,” this drug depresses the central nervous system.
• Ketamine: Primarily used as a veterinary anesthetic but also abused as a date rape drug.

These drugs are tasteless, odorless, and colorless when mixed into drinks, making them especially dangerous. They work by depressing the nervous system, leading to loss of muscle control, confusion, memory gaps, and unconsciousness.

What Do Roofies Look Like?

One of the reasons roofies are so dangerous is that they can be difficult to detect. The tablets are usually small, white, and round, and they dissolve easily in liquid. Originally, some forms of Rohypnol were odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making them almost impossible to notice if slipped into a drink.

Forms of Roofies

• Rohypnol pills are usually small, white or off-white tablets. They can also come in blue, green, or white and are sometimes manufactured to easily dissolve in liquid without changing the color or taste. Because of this, once dissolved, the drink looks normal.
• GHB is a clear, odorless liquid that looks just like water or other clear beverages. It has no noticeable taste or smell, which makes it almost impossible to detect when spiked into drinks.
• Ketamine is usually a white powder but can also be found in liquid form. When used as a roofie, it is typically dissolved in a drink or applied to food.

What to Look Out for in Your Drink:

• Unusual cloudiness or color changes after adding a questionable substance.
• Sediment or powder residue at the bottom of the glass.
• Changes in smell or a chemical-like aftertaste.

Despite these clues, roofies are often designed to be colorless and tasteless, mixed into drinks like punch bowls or cocktails, making them difficult to spot.

How to Know if You Got Roofied

Recognizing you’ve been roofied isn’t always straightforward because the effects can resemble heavy intoxication. However, there are certain signs that set roofie poisoning apart from being drunk.

Common Symptoms of Being Roofied

Roofies act quickly, often within 30 minutes, and can last up to 12 hours. During this time, the person may experience:

• Sudden dizziness or loss of muscle control
• Memory gaps or inability to remember events (blackouts)
• Severe confusion or difficulty speaking clearly
• Nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained drowsiness or passing out
• Altered heart rate (either very slow or rapid)
• Vision problems or blurred vision

If you suddenly feel significantly worse after drinking, especially if you consumed a drink not personally obtained or watched, you could be a victim of drink spiking.

Roofied vs. Drunk: How to Tell the Difference

It can be difficult to tell the difference between someone who has been roofied and someone who is just drunk. Both may show signs like slurred speech and stumbling. However, there are key differences:

• Onset: A person who has been roofied may become suddenly impaired after only a small amount of alcohol.
• Severity: The level of impairment is far greater than expected for the amount of alcohol consumed.
• Memory loss: Someone who is drunk may remember parts of the night, but someone who has been roofied often remembers nothing.
• Physical weakness: Roofies cause extreme tiredness and inability to move, which is unusual in typical alcohol intoxication.

If you suspect drink spiking, assume it is more than just drunkenness and seek medical attention immediately.

How Long Do Roofies Stay in Your System?

The detection window for roofies varies depending on the type of drug used.

Rohypnol

The detection window for Rohypnol is limited, which makes testing challenging. In blood tests, roofies can be detected for up to 12 hours. In urine tests, the drug may stay in your system for up to 72 hours. In hair tests, traces can sometimes be found for weeks, though this is less common.

GHB

Like Rohypnol, GHB also has a short half-life. The drug can be detected in urine for about 6-12 hours. Blood tests detect the drug for about 8 hours. GHB can also be detected in the hair for up to 1 month or longer, but this is very uncommon.

Ketamine

Ketamine has a longer half-life compared to GHB. It is detectable in urine for about 14 days, and in blood for about 2-3 days. In hair follicle tests, it can be detected for up to 90 days or more.

The short detection window is why many victims struggle to prove they’ve been roofied. If you suspect exposure, go to an emergency room right away and request a toxicology screen. Prompt medical care is critical not just for evidence but also for your safety.

How to Recover From Being Roofied

If you think you’ve been roofied, your safety and health must be your priority. Here’s what you should do:

Immediate Steps:

• Seek medical care immediately. Go to the emergency room or contact a medical professional as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours for best testing results.
• Bring a trusted friend with you who can support you, help tell your story, and stay with you during tests and evaluations.
• Do not leave the location alone or stay in an unsafe environment.
• If possible, avoid showering, eating, or using the restroom before drug testing; evidence might be lost otherwise.
• Report the incident to authorities if you feel safe doing so—this can help with evidence collection and potentially prevent harm to others.

Physical and Psychological Recovery:

• Rest is crucial to help your body heal from the drug’s intense effects.
• Hydration and good nutrition support your recovery process.
• Understand that long-term effects may include anxiety, depression, and difficulty trusting others. Consider counseling or therapy to manage these impacts.
• Talk openly with trusted friends or family members about your experience.

Prevention and Safety Tips

Preventing exposure to roofies starts with awareness and vigilance. You can protect yourself and others by following these safety tips:

• Never leave your drink unattended, especially at parties or bars with communal punch bowls or open drink stations.
• Only accept drinks from people you know and trust.
• Stay close to a trusted friend who can watch out for you and alert you if anything seems off.
• Be cautious of sudden changes in how you feel after a drink—listen to your instincts.
• Look out for one another and intervene if you suspect a friend’s drink has been spiked.
• Avoid accepting drinks from strangers or unknown individuals.

Seeking Medical Help

If you ever experience symptoms or suspect you’ve been roofied, prioritizing medical care can be life-saving. Use emergency services whenever necessary, and don’t be ashamed or hesitant to ask for help.

For people struggling with substance abuse, help is also available. Our addiction detox and rehab treatment facilities offer evidence-based treatment tailored to each person’s needs. Reach out to our addiction specialists and begin your journey to sobriety.