Rohypnol, or flunitrazepam, is a potent sedative drug that has gained infamy. It is commonly known as a ‘date rape’ drug and is not legal in the United States. Flunitrazepam is classified as a Schedule IV drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and dependence. The drug has a number of serious side effects, including:
- Memory loss
- Blackouts
- Unconsciousness
Rohypnol is often used without the victim’s knowledge or consent and can lead to rape or sexual assault. If you believe you have been a Rohypnol victim, it is vital to seek medical help immediately and contact the police.
Knowing how to protect yourself from the dangers of Rohypnol or flunitrazepam is essential. However, when abused for its sedative properties, addiction and dependency are possible. If this happens, you need benzos addiction treatment in Colorado to recover. Call 833.754.0554 for more information on Rohypnol abuse treatment.
What Is Rohypnol?
Rohypnol is part of the benzodiazepine family, much like Valium, Ativan, or Xanax. The big difference is the potency—Rohypnol is approximately ten times more potent than Valium, and its effects can last several hours.
Rohypnol’s effects occur quickly once the pill is ingested. The full effects will take up to 30 minutes to be felt, and the peak lasts for up to 2 hours. The high will last for up to six hours, but residual effects can last for 12 hours. Especially when taken recreationally, Rohypnol can trigger the following effects:
- Confusion and disorientation
- An inability to remember what happened while under the influence of Rohypnol
- Loss of control and coordination
- Feelings of sedation or drowsiness
- A sense of being invincible
- Rapid mood changes
- Nausea and vomiting
- The desire to avoid other people
- Panic that leads to fear and anxiety
- Fear of your own thoughts
Additionally, an impaired sense of judgment is also typical.
Being Roofied: Why Is Rohypnol Considered a Date Rape Drug?
Rohypnol comes in pills that are sometimes known as roofies. At parties and social events, roofies are sometimes unknowingly slipped into victims’ drinks. This is known as being ‘roofied.’ Victims later report not remembering anything and being sexually assaulted. These facts explain Rohypnol’s reputation as a ‘date rape’ drug.
The intensity of Rohypnol’s after-effects is one of the reasons many victims don’t realize they’ve been roofied until days later. Instead, they think that they simply drank too much. People who have either been roofied or used flunitrazepam recreationally report these side effects the day after:
- A hungover feeling that includes nausea, vomiting, and headaches
- Upset stomach
- Confusion
- Dizziness or wooziness
In addition, a loss of coordination and balance is also common.
Addiction Dangers of Benzos Like Rohypnol
Extended recreational use of Rohypnol changes the biochemistry of the brain and body. Continued usage leads to physical and psychological dependency that can trap users in a cycle of addiction. This will ultimately cause lasting harm as the user is unable to stop. If you’re physically and psychologically dependent, you have a benzo addiction and need benzos addiction treatment to break the cycle of addiction.
For those who have developed a Rohypnol addiction, the dangers of benzos include withdrawal symptoms. Some possible withdrawal symptoms of Rohypnol include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Intense cravings for the drug
- They also include:
- Restlessness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Headaches
- Insomnia
Avoiding the Dangers of Rohypnol Addiction with a Professional Treatment Program
As with other benzodiazepine addictions, treatment for Rohypnol addiction will often include tapering off the drug. This means you slowly lower the amount you take until you are drug-free. Unless you do this, the side effects of withdrawal may be too severe. In some cases, seizures may ensue due to rapid changes in the central nervous system.
To safely taper off Rohypnol when you have an addiction, you should seek professional benzos addiction treatment. Addiction experts have the knowledge needed to help you withdraw safely. They will help you avoid withdrawal complications, as well as relapses back into active drug use. Once you complete Rohypnol withdrawal, psychotherapy can help you stay drug-free.
Learn More About Rohypnol Addiction at Women’s Recovery
Contact Women’s Recovery today to learn more about Rohypnol and the dangers of benzos. We’ll answer any questions you may have about addiction or being roofied. Women’s Recovery also offers comprehensive treatment for all forms of benzo addiction. Call us at 833.754.0554 or fill out our online form for more information.
