Rohypnol was made famous in the 1990s as news reports focused on its dangerous use as a “date rape drug.” A large does of the drug would be slipped into a victim’s drink and would cause the victim to fall into a deep sleep after which they can not remember the events occurring around the time of dosage. These same sedative and amnesiac effects what drive others to voluntarily take lower doses of the drug in order to get high. This abuse frequently becomes chronic, and professional care coupled with drug rehab is often needed to sever this Rohypnol, or “roofie,” addiction.
Rohypnol is the trade name of the drug flunitrazepam, which is a benzodiazepine derived anticonvulsant. It is primarily prescribed internationally for chronic insomniacs who do not respond to any other drug. Because of its powerful effects, this prescription is typically only given to those currently in inpatient facilities. In the United States he drug is currently considered an illegal drug that is not approved for medical use by the Food and Drug Administration. Despite its status in the States, the drug is legal in over 60 other countries, including Mexico, making it readily available for illicit purchase.
The typical abusers of Rohypnol are college and high school students, either looking to get high on the drug alone or using it in combination with other illicit substances. By itself or with alcohol the drug produces a high level of intoxication, and with this extreme intoxication comes the attendant motor skills impairments and mental deterioration. It is also used by those taking stimulants such as methamphetamine in order to ease the “crash” and avoid the insomnia associated with coming down from such highs.
Rohypnol, as with other benzodiazepines, creates a high risk of physical and psychological dependence for even short term or one time users. After a single therapeutic dose many patients frequently report “rebound” insomnia the next night in which the drug is not used. This insomnia is typically much more severe in the short term, and is usually coupled with extreme anxiety. The effects of stopping use only become worse after repeated use, during which the body develops a tolerance for the drug. This forces users to take a progressively higher dose of Rohypnol in order to experience the same effects, therapeutic or otherwise. This intensifies the body’s physical dependence on the drug and similarly intensifies the symptoms of withdrawal experienced once the Rohypnol addict stops taking the drug.
These severe withdrawal symptoms are so severe that most Rohypnol addicts require inpatient care when attempting to detoxify and beat their addiction. Sudden stoppage of high dosage of drugs like Rohypnol can lead to benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, which has effects such as seizures and psychosis. In order to avoid this condition, stabilizing medications may be administered and in some cases a gradual step down program may be favored over stopping cold turkey. Without this medical care, and the therapy that is available within such drug rehab centers, beating an addiction such as Rohypnol is a difficult and dangerous task. But with the help of such professionals, patients in these treatment centers can finally throw of the shackles of addiction and return to the world happy and Rohypnol free.
