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Rohypnol Addiction and Abuse

Read on to learn about the dangers of Rohypnol addiction and how it can impact your body, mind, and overall wellness.

What is Rohypnol?

Rohypnol is a medication that is typically used to treat insomnia or anxiety. Unfortunately, Rohypnol is easily accessible and relatively inexpensive, making it a popular choice of others. While Rohypnol may not be as well-known as other drugs of abuse, it is no less dangerous.


Rohypnol is the brand name for the medication flunitrazepam. It is a benzodiazepine, which belongs to a class of drugs typically used to treat anxiety or insomnia. Benzodiazepines work by depressing the central nervous system, resulting in a calming effect.

Rohypnol Dangers

Rohypnol has generally been known as the “date rape” drug due to how easily it can be mixed into drinks. Large doses of it can be harmful to the body and essentially cause one to black out if they have too much in their system. 1

How is Rohypnol Taken?

Rohypnol can be abused in a variety of ways. Some people take it orally, while others crush and snort the pills. It can also be dissolved into a beverage.

Rohypnol can cause memory loss and make it difficult for a person to resist sexual assault. The effects of Rohypnol can last for several hours. 2

Symptoms of Rohypnol Abuse

The symptoms of Rohypnol abuse can vary depending on how the drug is taken. Some common signs that someone is abusing Rohypnol include:

  • Extreme lethargy or prolonged sleeping patterns
  • Lowered inhibitions
  • Confusion
  • Forgetfulness
  • Missing class or failing grades
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Apathy towards family or obligations

Effects of Rohypnol Abuse

Rohypnol abuse can have several dangerous effects on the brain and body.

Symptoms of Rohypnol on the Brain
The effects of Rohypnol on the brain can be hazardous because the drug is so potent. Rohypnol can cause dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, nightmares, slurred speech, and long-term memory impairment. Rohypnol can be dangerous taken even in small doses over time.

 
Symptoms of Rohypnol on the Body

In addition to the effects on the brain, Rohypnol can also cause bodily impairments as well, including: 3

  • Muscle relaxation
  • Weakness
  • Difficulty walking and loss of motor control
  • Visual disturbances
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances
  • Urinary retention
  • Respiratory depression 

Risks and Dangers of Rohypnol Use

There are many risks and dangers associated with regular Rohypnol use. These risks will be detailed below.

Loss of Consciousness

Loss of consciousness is one of the primary risks and dangers associated with Rohypnol abuse. Rohypnol, also commonly known as a “roofie,” is a potent central nervous system depressant that can lead to sedation, muscle relaxation, and amnesia. 4

Slowed Breathing

Another danger of Rohypnol is that it can slow down breathing. When taken in large doses, Rohypnol can cause respiratory depression, leading to hypoxia, which is a lack of oxygen in the body, and ultimately death.

Severe Sedation

Rohypnol can cause severe sedation, which can be extremely dangerous, especially when combined with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol. When a person is severely sedated, they may fall into a deep sleep and be unable to wake up. This can lead to coma or death.

Low Heart Rate

Rohypnol can also cause a decrease in heart rate. This can be extremely dangerous, especially for those with underlying heart conditions. A low heart rate can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure), which can cause a person to faint or even go into shock.

Non-Responsiveness

Another danger of Rohypnol is that it can make a person unresponsive to their environment. This means that they may not be able to hear or see what is going on around them, which can put them in danger.

Why is Rohypnol Called the Date Rape Drug?

Rohypnol, otherwise known as flunitrazepam, is a powerful sedative dubbed the "date rape drug." It is odorless and tasteless, making it easy to slip into someone's drink without them knowing.


Rohypnol takes effect within thirty minutes and can cause memory loss, blackouts, and paralysis. In addition, victims of date rape often have no recollection of what happened to them while under the influence of Rohypnol.


In addition to its use as a date rape drug, Rohypnol has also been used to facilitate robbery and sexual assault. The effects of Rohypnol can last for eight hours or more, making it difficult for victims to defend themselves or escape.

Because of its potential for abuse, Rohypnol is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States. However, it continues to be manufactured and sold illegally in many parts of the world. 5

Can Rohypnol Be Detected in Urine?

Rohypnol can be detected in a urine drug test up to five days after use. However, it is essential to note that Rohypnol is not currently approved for medical use in the United States, so any positive result on a urine drug test would be considered a false positive.

Treatment for Rohypnol Addiction

If you or someone you know is struggling with a Rohypnol addiction, treatment options are available. Treatment for Rohypnol addiction typically begins with:

Detox and Withdrawal

The first step in treatment is typically detox and withdrawal. This is where the individual slowly stops using Rohypnol and allows the body to rid itself of the drug. Detox can be a difficult and sometimes dangerous process, so it is often best done under the supervision of a medical professional.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

After detox, the next step in treatment is typically cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of therapy that helps individuals identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their addiction.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is another standard treatment for Rohypnol addiction. In group therapy, individuals will meet with a therapist and other people struggling with addiction. This can be a helpful way to share experiences and learn from others going through the same thing.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is another option for treatment. In individual therapy, the patient will meet with a therapist to work on any underlying issues that may be contributing to the addiction.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is another type of therapy that can be helpful for those struggling with addiction. DBT is a form of CBT that focuses on helping individuals learn to cope with their emotions.

Rohypnol Addiction

Rohypnol Addiction

Get Treatment For Rohypnol Addiction at Genesis Recovery 

If you or someone you know is struggling with a Rohypnol addiction, treatment is available. At Genesis Recovery, we offer various treatment options that can be customized to meet your unique needs.


Treatment for Rohypnol addiction typically includes detoxification, followed by counseling and therapy. With the proper treatment, people struggling with Rohypnol abuse can overcome it and live a healthy, sober life.


Our experts will work with you to create a treatment plan that includes detox, CBT, DBT, and other evidence-based therapies. We also offer group and individual therapy, as well as family counseling. Medication will also be provided for those that need it, but this isn’t always necessary for every patient. You and your therapist can discuss your needs further.

 
Don't wait to get help. Contact us today to learn more about our Rohypnol addiction treatment program. We are here to support you every step of the way with our holistic and healthy treatment plans.

Resources


  1. https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/rohypnol
  2. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/date-rape-drugs
  3. https://drugfree.org/drugs/rohypnol/
  4. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000022.htm
  5. https://www.cham.org/HealthwiseArticle.aspx?id=uq2448
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