Spring Break 2010: Be Safe

So we all know that consuming alcohol under the age of 21 is illegal in the United States. With that being said we can't be ignorant to that fact that it happens every single day. I am here to say that no matter what your age is if you choose to consume alcohol please be safe.

Sure, The Hangover was a hilarious movie about a bachelor party gone wild when one of the guys spiked the "wolfgang's" drinks with roofies. It's fun to laugh about but it's also important to recognize date rape drugs are a real danger. It doesn't matter if you are in small town Steamboat or a big city, it can happen anywhere.

I'm asking you to enjoy yourself this spring break, but BE SAFE. Whether you are in Cancun enjoying the sun and a margarita or visiting friends at college and attending a large party you could be at risk. It's one of those "it'll never happen to me" things... until it does. As much as I like to disregard the serious things in life, these drugs are incredibly dangerous because they are often tasteless, colorless and fast acting and I'd hate for someone to get hurt.

Although there is no absolute way to ensure this won't happen to you there are ways to prevent it.

• Don't go out alone. Always have a buddy with you and watch after each other. If you notice your friend is more intoxicated than they should be after a couple of drinks or is acting really strange get them somewhere safe immediately.
• Watch the bartender pour your drink and have them hand it directly to you.
• Never leave your drink unattended. Keep it within eye sight at all times. If you glance in another direction for even an instant you are making yourself susceptible to possible dangers.
• If your drink tastes funny dump it and get a new one, it may have been tampered with.
• At parties do not drink from punch bowls and never accept already opened beverages.
  

If you think you or a friend may have been drugged:

• Find a trusted friend and ask them to take you some place safe immediately. If this happens to your friend stay with them as these drugs can induce blackouts and vomiting.
• Go to the hospital and request a toxicology report. These drugs can clear from your system within 6-8 hours and there is no chance of any trace after 48hrs.
  

If you think you have been assaulted

• Do not shower as you will likely wash away evidence.
• Go immediately to a hospital and request a preliminary rape exam along with testing for date rape drugs.
• Get in contact with a local advocates group (Steamboat's emergency crisis number is 970-824-9709)
• If you choose to press charges be sure to have a support system of close, trusted friends to be there for you throughout the process.
  

Three of the most common drugs are:

GHB

Street names: EZ Lay, Liquid Ecstasy, Clear X, X-rater, Liquid Dream, Scoop Her, Get-Her-to-Bed.

What it looks like: Odorless, colorless, liquid, White powder or Tablet

Is it legal in the US? No. It's banned in the US, Canada and many parts of Europe. Most of the time it's made in illegal drug labs

What are the side effects? GHB affects the central nervous system and can cause euphoria, amnesia, intoxication, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, visual hallucinations, hypotension, severe respiratory depression, and in extreme cases coma.


Rohypnol

Street Names: Rophies, Roofies, Roach, Rope

What it looks like: Tasteless, odorless small white tablet

Is it legal in the US? No

What are the side effects? excitability or aggressive behavior, decreased blood pressure, memory impairment, drowsiness, semi-consciousness, dizziness, confusion, stomach disturbances, and urinary retention

Ketamine

Street Names: Special K, K, Vitamin K, Kid Rock, Ket Kat, Make-Her-Mine

What it looks like: It comes in powder, liquid, or pill form

Is it legal in the US? Yes. Ketamine is often used as a sedative by Veterinarians

What are the side effects? delirium, numbness, vivid hallucinations, cardiac excitement, mild respiratory depression, confusion, irrationality, violent or aggressive behavior, vertigo, slurred speech, delayed reaction time, euphoria, altered body image, amnesia, and coma.

All information has been provided by Steamboat Advocates and http://teenadvice.about.com/library/weekly/aa062502a.htm