Rohypnol | Usage Trends
Usage Trends
After Rohypnol arrived on the U.S. drug scene in 1989, its abuse became popular among young people. Despite measures to keep the drug out of the United States, that abuse continued. Use especially occurred within southern border states such as Texas and Florida, where it is imported from Mexico and Colombia. Many believe that the drug's popularity stems from the fact that it is relatively inexpensive, about fifty cents to five dollars a tablet, and appears safe since it comes in the original manufacturer's packaging. Some abusers also mistakenly think it will escape detection by drug tests. However, it is detectable for up to seventy-two hours after it is taken.
Recreational Use
Rohypnol is usually taken recreationally to enhance the effects of other drugs, such as alcohol, marijuana, or ecstasy. The 2003 ONDCP fact sheet on Rohypnol states that "the predominant user age group is 13- to 30-years-old and users tend to be male." Paul M. Gahlinger, writing in Illegal Drugs: A Complete Guide to Their History, Chemistry, Use and Abuse, commented, "To young people, getting 'roached out' is a novel, seemingly benign way of getting high, different from the marijuana, cocaine, and heroin of the older generation. The fact that this drug's main effect is heavy sedation—and not euphoriaPronounced yu-FOR-ee-yuh; a state of extreme happiness and enhanced well-being; the opposite of dysphoria., stimulation, or hallucinationsVisions or other perceptions of things that are not really present.—is an interesting commentary on the life of the modern high school student."
The results of the 2004 Monitoring the Future (MTF) study, conducted by the University of Michigan (U of M) and sponsored by research grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), were released to the public on December 21, 2004. Three years earlier, in 2001, 1.1 percent of eighth graders, 1.5 percent of tenth graders, and 1.7 percent of twelfth graders reported using Rohypnol at least once in their lives. Those percentages were down considerably from 1998, when 1.4 percent of eighth graders, 2.0 percent of tenth graders, and 3.0 percent of twelfth graders admitted to using Rohypnol at least once. In 2004, the percentages dropped slightly from 2001—to 1.0 percent for eighth graders and 1.2 percent for tenth graders. MTF statistics on the use of Rohypnol among seniors were not available for 2004. However, the authors of the survey noted that Rohypnol use "showed little systematic change in 2004 … at any grade level."
The 2004 "Pulse Check" report released by the ONDCP stated that law enforcement officials found a variety of synthetic drugs, including Rohypnol, "easier to purchase" in 2003 than in 2002. Synthetic drugs are those made in laboratories, not those that occur naturally.
Other Uses
Rohypnol has been used to help ease withdrawal symptoms from other drugs such as heroin. Withdrawal symptoms occur when the user gradually cuts back on the amount of a drug being taken until it can be discontinued entirely. Such symptoms include a variety of physical and psychological effects, depending on the drug.
Cocaine users have taken Rohypnol to help come down after a drug-using binge. Specifically, Rohypnol has been known to help with the depressionA mood disorder that causes people to have feelings of hopelessness, loss of pleasure, self-blame, and sometimes suicidal thoughts. that may occur after using STIMULANTSA substance that increases the activity of a living organism or one of its parts. like cocaine. Some use it as a cure for a hangover, the uncomfortable feelings—such as the pounding headache, upset stomach, and trembling feelings—that often occur after a bout of heavy drinking.
Criminals worldwide have used the power of Rohypnol in a variety of crimes. Both females and males have been victims of Rohypnol-assisted crimes. Rapists have used this sedative-hypnotic to incapacitate their victims so they can overpower them with ease. Thieves have also used Rohypnol to knock out people so they could steal money and credit cards from their wallets.