What We All Need to Know: Facts on Date Rape Drugs

Written By Samantha Kearney - BWSS Counsellor

The following is a brief outline of important information regarding date rape drugs. It is based on recent articles that appeared in the Province and the Vancouver Sun on October 10, 2002.

Some important facts:

Rape crisis advocates in San Jose, California are handing out coasters at bars that test for date rape drugs in drinks.

These coasters have test spots that turn dark blue in 30 seconds if a splash of alcohol containing drugs spills on it.

The manufacturer claims they are 95% accurate. However, some experts say that the coasters are ineffective and may give a false sense of security as they can identify just two of the many date rape drugs - gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and ketamine. There are 36 drugs classified as date rape drugs, too many even for police field tests to detect.

The Drug Enforcement Administration also advises against putting faith in tests that cannot keep up with the constantly changing chemistry of illegal drugs.

For further information on rape drugs, please call Vancouver Rape Relief and Women's Shelter at 604-872-8212 or visit their web site at www.rapereliefshelter.bc.ca

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