As with any destination hotspot like Nashville, staying safe and aware of potential hazards should always be a priority when hitting the nightlife and streets of our bustling city. Here are some tips to help understanding roofies and how to prevent becoming a victim of a spiked drink.
What Is a Roofie?
A “roofie” is a common slang term for Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), a powerful sedative that is sometimes used as a date rape drug. It belongs to the benzodiazepine family and has strong sedative, muscle-relaxing, and memory-impairing effects. Although Rohypnol is one of the most well-known substances associated with drink spiking, other drugs such as gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and ketamine can also be used for similar purposes.
These substances are often colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making them difficult to detect when added to a drink. Within minutes, victims may experience dizziness, confusion, extreme drowsiness, or even unconsciousness.
How Quickly Should You Get Medical Help?
If you suspect you have been drugged, you should seek medical attention immediately. Many of these substances, including Rohypnol and GHB, leave the body quickly—often within 8 to 12 hours. The sooner a toxicology test is performed, the better the chances of detecting the drug in your system.
At the hospital, request a urine and blood test specifically for date rape drugs, as standard toxicology screens do not always include them.
What to Do If You Think Your Drink Was Spiked
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Get to a Safe Place
- If you start feeling unexpectedly dizzy, nauseous, or drowsy after having a drink, alert a friend or bartender immediately.
- If possible, stop drinking and get to a safe location with people you trust.
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Seek Medical Attention – TriStar Bellevue ER – (629) 224 – 0450, TriStar Spring Hill ER – (931) 489 – 1100
- Go to a hospital as soon as possible and tell medical staff you suspect drink spiking.
- The effects of these drugs can worsen rapidly, so do not attempt to go home alone.
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Preserve Evidence
- If possible, keep the drink (if there’s any left) and do not throw it away.
- Avoid urinating until you have reached the hospital, as testing for certain drugs is more accurate with urine samples.
- Take note of any symptoms and ask someone to write them down for you in case you forget later.
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Contact Nashville Metro Police 911 or (615) 922-3020
- Report the incident to the police as soon as possible.
- If it happened at a bar or nightclub, ask the management to review security camera footage for any suspicious activity.
- Provide any information about who was near you or if anyone bought you a drink.
Can You Test for a Spiked Drink?
Yes, there are spiked drink test kits available, which can detect common date rape drugs like GHB and Rohypnol. These usually come in the form of:
- Test Strips: A few drops of the drink are placed on the strip, which changes color if drugs are detected.
- More Test Options
There are other preventative options like a Drink Cover Scrunchie: A drink cover can help prevent someone from easily dropping a drunk into a drink.
While these tests can help, they are not foolproof. Some newer drug formulations may not be detectable with standard kits.
How to Protect Yourself from Drink Spiking
- Never leave your drink unattended. Always keep it in your hand or cover it with your palm.
- Avoid accepting drinks from strangers. If someone offers to buy you a drink, watch the bartender make it and take it directly from them.
- Use drink covers. Some products, like drink spiking prevention scrunchies, stretch over cups to prevent tampering.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, don’t drink it.
Nashville has also enacted the:
SAFE BAR PROGRAM
The mission of Safe Bar is to work with local bars & restaurants in raising awareness about alcohol’s role in sexual assault, engaging bar owners and staff in bystander intervention, and working together to do our part to prevent sexual violence across Tennessee. Visit their website.
Drink spiking is a serious crime that can have dangerous consequences. If you or someone you know suspects they have been drugged, seek medical help immediately, preserve any evidence, and report the incident to the authorities. Taking preventive measures and staying aware can help reduce the risks, but it’s important for bars, clubs, and communities to work together to create a safer environment for everyone.
