Author & Editor: Adam Tomlinson
Clinically Reviewed by: Charee Marquez, LMFT
Clinical Contributor: Karynne Witkin, M.A. I/O Psychology
What is a Roofie?
A “roofie,” short for Rohypnol, is a powerful sedative and hypnotic drug that belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines. The term roofie is slang for the drug Rohypnol, which is often used in drug-facilitated sexual assault. Rohypnol is the brand name for the generic drug flunitrazepam. The drug called Rohypnol is associated with the street name ‘roofies’ and is primarily used as a prescription medication for treating severe insomnia and as a pre-anesthetic medication for surgical procedures.
Types of Date Rape Drugs (Roofies)
Common date rape drugs, such as Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine, are part of several drugs often used in drug-facilitated sexual assault due to their ability to incapacitate victims.
The term “roofies” is colloquially used to refer to any drug used in this manner, but the most common types include:
Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam): Rohypnol is perhaps the most well-known and infamous of the date rape drugs. It is a powerful benzodiazepine with sedative, hypnotic, and muscle relaxant properties. Rohypnol is odorless, tasteless, and dissolves quickly in liquid, making it easy to slip into someone’s drink without detection. Perpetrators often use it to spike people’s drinks, leading to extremely dangerous situations. It induces sedation and memory loss, leaving individuals vulnerable to sexual assault, and can also cause loss of muscle control.
Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB): GHB is a central nervous system depressant that is sometimes used recreationally for its euphoric effects. It is often referred to as the “club drug” or “liquid ecstasy.” GHB can cause sedation, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss. In higher doses, it can lead to loss of consciousness and respiratory depression. These effects are extremely dangerous and require immediate medical attention. Like Rohypnol, GHB is frequently used in drug-facilitated sexual assault due to its ability to incapacitate victims.
Ketamine: Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that is primarily used for medical purposes, such as anesthesia during surgical procedures. It produces sedation, hallucinations, and a feeling of dissociation from reality. Ketamine can cause confusion, disorientation, and memory loss, making it another drug of choice for perpetrators of drug-facilitated sexual assault.
Benzodiazepines (Other Than Rohypnol): While Rohypnol is the most notorious benzodiazepine associated with date rape, other benzodiazepines such as Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), and Ativan (lorazepam) can also be used for similar purposes. These drugs have sedative effects and can impair judgment, coordination, and memory when used inappropriately or in high doses. These and other drugs, such as GHB and ketamine, are commonly used in drug-facilitated assaults.
What Does Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault Mean? (Being Roofied)
Being roofied is a verb form of roofie, commonly used to indicate being drugged by a roofie, or someone’s drink being spiked by a roofie without their knowledge. Roofies are commonly used in clubs, parties, and raves to facilitate sexual violence and sexually assault someone without their consent.
How to Recover from Being Roofied
Understanding how to recover from being roofied is critical after a suspected incident of drink spiking or drug-facilitated assault. Substances commonly used in these situations can cause memory loss, extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired motor control, and breathing difficulties. Taking the right steps quickly can protect your health, preserve evidence, and connect you with support.
Steps to take:
Seek medical attention immediately
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you experience memory gaps, dizziness, nausea, trouble breathing, or loss of consciousness, as these drugs can cause serious or life-threatening effects.Get to a safe place
Stay with a trusted friend, family member, or authority figure and avoid being alone until you are medically evaluated.Preserve evidence if possible
Avoid showering, changing clothes, brushing teeth, or throwing away drinks, as this may help preserve evidence if you choose to report the incident.Request toxicology testing
Ask medical professionals about drug testing as soon as possible, since many date rape drugs leave the body quickly.Document what you remember
Write down symptoms, timelines, locations, and any details you can recall, even if memories feel fragmented.Reach out for emotional support
Contact someone you trust or a trained advocate who can help you process what happened and guide you through next steps.
Recovering from being roofied involves prioritizing medical care, personal safety, and emotional support. If you believe you may have been assaulted, confidential help is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673), which offers 24/7 support, guidance, and resources.
How to Avoid Being Roofied
Avoiding being roofied requires vigilance and proactive steps to reduce risk in social settings. While no strategy can fully eliminate danger, these practical measures can help protect your safety and awareness.
Ways to reduce the risk:
Watch your drink at all times
Keep drinks with you and never leave them unattended. If someone offers to buy you a drink, go with them and watch it being made.Choose sealed beverages
Bottled or canned drinks are harder to tamper with than open glasses or cups.Do not share drinks
Only drink beverages you opened or received directly yourself.Be cautious with unfamiliar drinks
If you are unsure where a drink came from or how it was prepared, do not consume it.Limit alcohol and know your limits
Alcohol tolerance varies from person to person, and those with lower tolerance may become intoxicated more quickly. Alcohol consumption can also mask the symptoms of being roofied, so be especially cautious when consuming alcohol in social settings. Pace yourself and be alert to feeling unusually intoxicated after small amounts of alcohol.
Stay aware of your surroundings
Watch for suspicious behavior and trust your instincts if something feels off.Stick with trusted people
Go out with friends, use a buddy system, and look out for one another.Be ready to leave
Have an exit plan and prioritize your safety if you feel uncomfortable.
Staying informed, alert, and supported by trusted people can significantly reduce your risk. If you suspect you or someone else has been drugged, seek medical help immediately and contact emergency services or a trusted authority.
Get Immediate Medical Attention
FAQS
How long do roofies stay in your system for testing purposes?
Most date rape drugs like Rohypnol, GHB, or Ketamine can be detected in urine within 12 to 72 hours, depending on the substance and individual metabolism.
Can being roofied cause long-term physical health issues?
Yes, in some cases, being roofied can lead to long-term health effects including neurological impairment, organ stress, or complications related to overdose.
What should I do if I suspect someone else has been roofied?
If you suspect someone has been roofied, stay with them, ensure they’re safe, avoid letting them drink more alcohol, and seek immediate medical attention.
Are there specific tests hospitals use to confirm drug-facilitated assault?
Yes, hospitals may conduct toxicology screenings on blood and urine to detect the presence of sedatives or dissociative drugs commonly used in DFSA (drug-facilitated sexual assault).
Is it possible to take legal action after being roofied even without memory of the event?
Yes, legal action can still be pursued with medical evidence, witness testimony, and forensic support even if the victim has memory loss from the incident.