IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ORDERED AN URGENT REVIEW OF DATE RAPE DRUGS. SP REVIEWS THE


WORRYING INCREASE IN DATE RAPE DRUG CASES THROUGHOUT THE UNITED KINGDOM…


DATE RAPE DRUGS:


guide to GHB/GBL L


ast year, there were more than 700 cases of people in the United Kingdom having their drinks spiked with date rape drugs, and it is estimated that there has been an increase of more than 150 per cent in the number of cases where such drugs have been used to abuse victims since 2015.


Little wonder then that in January this year the government ordered an urgent review of date rape drugs – in particular,


gammahydroxybutrate (GHB) and gammabutyrolactone (GBL).


The UK government asked the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) to urgently review the classification and scheduling of GHB, GBL and closely-related compounds following the sentencing of a prolific rapist.


The Sexual Offences Act 2003 states that it is an offence to administer a substance, such as GHB or GBL, to a person with intent to overpower that person to enable sexual activity with them. The crime is punishable by up to ten years’ imprisonment.


What are date rape drugs? Date rape drugs are substances that make it easier for someone to rape or sexually assault another person. In most cases, the person who is attacked becomes confused, has trouble defending themselves, and may not be able to remember what happened later.


42 - SCOTTISH PHARMACIST


The term ‘date rape’ is actually a bit of a misnomer since attacks don’t always happen on a date. On occasion, the attack may be carried out by a stranger or by a long-time friend.


In addition to the use of GHB and GBL for date rape purposes, however, the drugs are also taken by those who are looking for a feeling of euphoria or a ‘thrill’.


Common types of date rape drugs


Two of the most common date-rape drugs are:


• Rohypnol (flunitrazepam). This is a strong benzodiazepine (a class of tranquilizers) also known as Mexican Valium, circles, roofies, la rocha, roche, R2, rope, and forget-me pill. In other countries, doctors sometimes use it as anesthesia before surgery. Rohypnol used to come in the form of a white tablet that had no smell or taste. Now, however, drug companies make it as a light green pill with a blue core. That means that if someone puts it in a clear drink, the liquid turns blue.


• Ketamine. This is a dissociative drug that makes you feel detached from reality. Its nicknames include Special K, vitamin K, and cat Valium. Doctors and veterinarians use it as anesthesia. Ketamine is available as a clear liquid, when used in medicine or as a grainy white or brown crystalline powder when it’s sold on the street.


The UK government’s review, however, is focussing on GHB and GBL.


What are GHB and GBL? GHB is an anaesthetic with primarily sedating properties. GHB is a depressant that has many nicknames: easy lay, Georgia home boy, liquid x, liquid ecstasy, liquid E, grievous bodily harm, Gib, G-riffic, scoop, soap, salty water, organic quaalude, or fantasy. GHB is often sold as ‘liquid ecstasy’ because of its relaxant and euphoric effects, although it has no relationship to ecstasy.


GBL is a chemical that is closely related to GHB. In fact, once GBL enters the body, it converts to GHB very quickly.


Both substances actually have legitimate uses. GHB has a medical use in the treatment of sleep disorder narcolepsy, while GBL is available for use in industry. It is used, for example, in stain remover, rust remover, superglue remover, and as both an alloy cleaner and a paint stripper.


If, however, someone supplies or possesses the substances knowing or believing that they will be swallowed and ingested, they are committing an offence.


GHB and GBL are sold as colourless oily liquids. They can also be purchased in capsule or powder form, but this is rare.


While GBL has a very strong chemical taste and smell, GHB has practically no smell and has a salty/soapy taste. Drinking GHB or GBL on its own can cause chemical burns in the mouth and throat. For that reason, those who take the drugs voluntarily, take them orally by using a pipette, syringe or pre-measured vial to measure the dose and then mix it into a soft drink. Experienced users measure the drug out very carefully using a pipette or a syringe, or by filling pre-measured vials (small bottles) to avoid taking too much.


The effects of the drugs GHB and GBL both produce the same effects and can make the person feel euphoric, drowsy, relaxed and ‘turned on’ or sexy. Both can also reduce people’s inhibitions.


It can take from between ten minutes to an hour for GHB or GBL to take effect. How long the effects last and the length of time the drug stays in the system depends on how much has been taken. The effects can last for several hours.


It's very easy to overdose on GHB and GBL, mainly because there's only a very small difference between the drugs causing the desired effects – if they are taken deliberately - and them leading to severe overdose.


As with most class C drugs, those, who take GHB or GBL regularly, can develop a dependence on the drug, and people have reported withdrawal symptoms, such as confusion, shaking, epileptic seizure and coma.


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