Have you ever heard of Rohypnol?

In the US, Rohypnol is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance. It functions as a depressant to the central nervous system. It’s not manufactured or approved for sale in the US, but it is shipped here from other countries and used illegally. It’s similar to Valium, but ten times more powerful.

A common name for it on the street is the “forget-me drug”. A more generic term is “roofie” and it’s often referred to as the “date rape drug”. In many cases, Rohypnol is secretly put into the drink of an unsuspecting victim. The effects, including drowsiness and loss of memory, are felt within 15 to 20 minutes, and may continue for up to 12 hours.

When it’s put into a clear drink, it will change the color of the liquid to blue. The color is often masked by serving tropical drinks that are already blue, or by serving the drink in a dark or opaque container.

My guest today, Stephanie, was a victim of having her food or a drink spiked with Rohypnol or something similar. But this didn’t happen in a bar or a nightclub – it happened in her own home. And the perpetrator was someone she thought she knew.

Content warning: this episode contains graphic language, and includes discussion about sexual violence and abortion.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of any type of sexual assault, help is available 24/7. Just call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673.

Graphics for this episode were created by Bob Bretz. Transcription was done by James Lai.

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