From the Guidelines
If you suspect that a girl's drink has been drugged, it is crucial to act immediately and remove her from the situation to prevent potential harm, including sexual assault, as supported by the study on care of the adolescent sexual assault victim 1. When dealing with a situation where a drink may have been drugged, it is essential to prioritize the individual's safety above all else. Common date-rape drugs like flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), g-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and ketamine can cause severe symptoms, including somnolence, decreased anxiety, muscular relaxation, and profound sedation, as well as amnesia for the time the drug exerts its action 1. Key considerations in such situations include:
- Removing the individual from the situation and staying with them to ensure their safety
- Seeking medical help immediately by calling emergency services or going to the emergency room
- Being aware of the potential symptoms of date-rape drugs, such as sudden dizziness, confusion, difficulty speaking, nausea, and loss of consciousness
- Understanding that these drugs can be difficult to detect as they leave the system quickly, with flunitrazepam detectable in urine for up to 48 hours, GHB for up to 12 hours, and ketamine for 24 to 72 hours 1
- Recognizing that alcohol is still the most common date-rape drug and that adolescents should be warned of their increased vulnerability to assaults when drinking 1. Given the potential severity of the situation and the rapid metabolism of these substances, it is vital to seek medical help immediately and have the individual tested for the presence of these drugs, as the effects can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
From the Research
Concern for Girl Being Drugged in Alcohol
There are no research papers provided that directly address the concern for a girl being drugged in alcohol. The studies available focus on opioid overdose, naloxone administration, and opioid use disorder.
Related Information on Substance Use and Overdose
- The studies provided discuss the importance of naloxone access for opioid overdose rescue 2, 3, 4.
- Naloxone is effective for reversing opioid overdose, but optimal strategies for out-of-hospital use are uncertain 3.
- People who use opioids may administer repeat naloxone doses during overdose events, with decision-making processes influenced by factors related to the emergency event 5.
- Naloxone prescribing is associated with patient factors such as high opioid daily dosage, concurrent benzodiazepines, and history of opioid use disorder 6.
Limitations of Available Evidence
- The studies provided do not address the specific concern of a girl being drugged in alcohol.
- The evidence focuses on opioid overdose and naloxone administration, rather than alcohol-related incidents or drug-facilitated sexual assault.
- Further research is needed to address the knowledge gaps in this area.