Date Rape Drugs
...o an already serious problem (Trollinger 33). GHB was made illegal to sell and manufacture in the United States of America, and only approved for research purposes (Lindquist 49). GHB presents a big problem among victims and authorities. As one can clearly see in the following statements, the effects and symptoms that GHB give make it difficult for the victim to fight off an attacker. It also makes it difficult for authorities to later prove that the attack even took place: Effects after taking GHB can be felt five to fifteen minutes after oral ingestion. The Body absorbs and processes GHB quickly through the body. Peak amounts accumulate in the blood twenty to sixty minutes after oral ingestion. Most symptoms differ greatly depending on the user. Physical symptoms start with out any prediction and also depend on the amount that the user ingested. A state of euphoria and relaxation is reported often among users. When taken at high dosages a feeling of severe intoxication is common. Dizziness, nausea, and coma are all some negative effects associated with GHB abuse (Asante, par. 4). GHB, like any other illegal drug, can be obtained in many different ways. Countries such as the United Kingdom, South America, and Mexico sell GHB over the internet (Asante, par. 5). DEA authorities have arrested 115 people in 84 cities for the manufacturing and selling of GHB over the internet (Smalley, par. 5). To avoid direct breaking of the law, many U.S. companies have made kits available off the internet to mix the chemicals needed to make the drug at home. To make GHB one requires only two key chemicals, gamma-butyrolactone and a strong base (Asante, par. 6). Gamma-butyrolactone is a chemical commonly found in most engine degreasers and paint removers (Trollinger 33). One can mix all the chemicals at home in a large pot or in the bath tub. Additional mixing instructions are available in excess amounts over the internet and even some magazines. Most times information from these sources is incorrect and can result in a very dangerous product. Poorly made GHB often has a high level of unneutralized sodium hydroxide, which if ingested can be very similar to drinking a drain cleaner (Asante, par. 7). GHB is referred to as the stealth drug by investigators. The drug mostly appears as a clear and colorless liquid, and is rarely found as a white powder (Asante, par. 8). The drug is also odorless and would be almost completely undetectable if it was not for a salty taste (Smalley, par. 1). Paraphernalia associated with this drug is also difficult to notice. When people are seen with pipes and rolling papers, one automatically assumes that the person is a marijuana user. GHB users are commonly found storing the substance in ordinary water bottles or Visine bottles. GHB can be stored in almost any kind of container. Most often it is found in unsuspicious and ordinary containers. These reasons often make it even more difficult to prove that a sexually assaulted victim was drugged. The fact that the drug leaves the body in six to twelve hours also presents an even bigger problem when it comes to proving the case in a court of law (Smalley, par. 2). The human body metabolizes the chemicals found in GHB similar to the way it metabolizes alcohol. Within hours the body turns the chemicals in GHB into carbon dioxide (Asante, par. 11). Most standard drug tests do not test for GHB. In fact, screening for the drug is largely unavailable in most parts of the United States. Most blood and urine samples have to be sent to a specialized laboratory. At the laboratory the blood or urine samples go through many different tests to determine if the drug is present. Results from the laboratories can take more than several weeks to return. Another problem is that drug programs can not test for the substance in participants. Someone that has a problem with drug abuse often needs some type of consequence to help them stop the use of the drug. If drug programs do not have the available tests to screen for GHB, than the user can go one doing the drug in secrecy with no type of consequence to help his recovery. Educating the public is the first way that people should help stop the problem. Being aware of the potential dangers is always the first step. GHB is often slipped into the victims drink with out the victim even noticing that anything happened. By keeping a close eye on the drink one can help avoid this scenario. Never leave a drink unattended, one should even take it to the restrooms. Covering the drink is also a very effective way to keep safe. By drinking from an already open container one puts themselves at risk. Over forty universities and thousands of bars have ordered coaster that detect the drug by turning blue when exposed to GHB (Smalley, par. 4). Women test their drinks by splashing tiny amounts on the coasters. Drinking out of a punch bowl or public drinking containers is also very dangerous. Having a close friend stay sober and keep a close eye on the group is a very effective way to stay p...