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I’ve just started going to clubs with my girlfriends and heard about some girls’ drinks getting spiked. How do I prevent this from happening to me and my friends? – Sam, 18 |
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Wednesday, 23 December 2009 11:12 |
| | Drinks spiking, which often leads to date rape, is very much still prevalent especially in clubs. Various drugs are used for this purpose, but the most common is Rohypnol or “roofies”. It is a very powerful tranquiliser that sedates victims and slows down their psychomotor responses. Symptoms of Rohypnol poisoning include dizziness, feeling unusually drowsy, having problems with coordination and appearing drunk.
To minimise the risk of your drink being spiked (even the non-alcoholic ones), keep these in mind when you go out:
- Consider properly before accepting drinks from anyone, especially strangers. Even if they are acquaintances or colleagues, be sure that you see it poured into the glass or opened so you know no one has tampered with it.
- Don’t leave your drink unattended and don’t share drinks. If you need to go to the bathroom or dance floor, finish your drink, bring it with you or ask your friend to watch it for you. Order a new drink if you’ve had to leave it behind.
- Whenever possible, try to drink from a bottle or can. It is more difficult to drop a pill through the mouth of a bottle or can than a glass. If you notice anything funny about the taste or smell of your drink, stop drinking it.
- Be aware of your tolerance to alcohol. If, at any time, you feel dizzy, nauseous or completely drunk, ask a trusted friend to accompany you to a safe place.
- Look out for your friends and ensure that they do the same for you too.
If you suspect that you or friends have been victims of date rape, you are advised to go to the nearest emergency room at a hospital and make a report at a police station. For help and support, you can contact a women’s NGO such as the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) at 03 7956 3488 / 03 7960 3030 or visit www.wao.org.my. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 23 December 2009 15:56 )
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