Mothers with teenage daughters who are about to explore the wider world—while there are fun and exciting things out there, there are also dangers your daughter needs to be aware of. One such danger is date rape drugs, which could steal away her bright future. Let’s teach our daughters how to recognize the risks and protect themselves from these drugs.
What are date rape drugs and why are they dangerous?
Date rape drugs are substances used to make someone unconscious or unable to control themselves, often with the intent of committing harmful acts. These drugs have several frightening characteristics:
- Fast and powerful effects: The drug starts working within 20–30 minutes after ingestion. If taken with alcohol, its effects become even more intense, making it completely impossible to control one’s body.
- Causes memory loss: This is the most dangerous part. The person under the drug’s influence won’t remember what happened during the time it was active, making it difficult to identify the perpetrator or report the incident.
- Colorless, odorless, and tasteless (sometimes slightly bitter): Offenders often crush the drug and secretly mix it into food or drinks, making it hard for the victim to notice or be on guard.
- Lowers inhibition: Some may feel dizzy or unusually confident, as their self-restraint diminishes. This makes it easy for them to fall into risky situations.
- Can be fatal: If consumed in high doses or combined with alcohol, the drug can suppress brain and nervous system functions, leading to unconsciousness, respiratory failure, and even death.
What situations should you be cautious of date rape drugs?
Date rape drugs are often used in places where people gather, where food and drinks are easily accessible, and where victims may let their guard down. Offenders can secretly mix the drug into a victim’s drink or food without being noticed. Common settings include:
- Entertainment venues: Pubs, bars, liquor stores, karaoke spots, or other nightlife venues are the most common places. These places involve alcohol, a lively atmosphere, and can cause people to become less alert.
- Private parties/friend’s house: These may seem safe, but if there are strangers present or communal drinks like punch bowls or liquor buckets, the risk of someone slipping in drugs is high.
- Restaurants/cafés: It can also happen here, especially if a drink is left unattended or accepted from a stranger.
- Rooms/hotels: In premeditated cases, perpetrators may lure the victim into a hotel room or private space, then use the drug to commit the crime.
Serious consequences that could happen to your daughter
Date rape drugs don’t just cause temporary unconsciousness—they can lead to more severe consequences than you might expect:
- Becoming a victim of crime: The most terrifying outcome is that, while unconscious or unable to resist, your daughter could be sexually assaulted or robbed. Worse still, she might not remember anything about the incident.
- Life-threatening danger: If she receives too large a dose or a very potent drug, it can lead to respiratory failure, unconsciousness, or even death.
- Unwanted pregnancy: Sexual assault during unconsciousness carries a very high risk of unplanned pregnancy, which could affect her education, work, and future.
- Sexually transmitted diseases: Being assaulted can result in infections such as HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, or other STDs. Some of these are chronic, incurable, or can lead to serious long-term health issues like infertility or cervical cancer (from HPV).
- Emotional trauma: Even if her body recovers, the psychological impact can last a long time. She may experience guilt, fear, depression, or develop other mental health issues.
Teach your daughter how to protect herself from date rape drugs
Mothers can guide their daughters to stay safe from the dangers of date rape drugs by teaching them the following:
- Never go out alone: Emphasize that she should never go out alone! She should always go out with trusted friends and take care of each other’s drinks.
- Drink responsibly: Advise her to drink as little as possible—or better yet, not at all—when outside the home. Staying alert at all times is crucial.
- Never accept drinks from strangers: Teach her to never accept drinks from someone she doesn’t know or trust, no matter the situation.
- Drink slowly: Encourage her to sip drinks slowly, giving her time to notice any unusual taste or smell. If something seems off, she’ll be able to react quickly.
- Avoid shared drink containers: Warn her to steer clear of communal containers like punch bowls or liquor buckets, as it’s easy for someone to slip drugs into them.
- Never leave her drink unattended: She should always keep an eye on her glass. If she leaves it to go to the bathroom or dance, she should get a new one right away—don’t worry about wasting the old drink.
- Report any unusual symptoms immediately: If she notices a strange taste or feels unusually dizzy after drinking just a little, she should tell a friend, call her mom, or reach out to a trusted relative immediately. Most importantly, she must never accept help from a stranger!
Warning signs to watch for immediately
Pay close attention to yourself—if you experience the following symptoms, you may have been drugged:
- Sudden drowsiness, dizziness, or abnormal lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting without a clear reason
- Slurred speech, confusion, or slowed responses
- Muscle weakness, stumbling, or feeling like you can’t control your body
- Most importantly: Feeling drunk even though you haven’t consumed alcohol—or only had a very small amount
Mothers should always remind their daughters that protecting themselves from assault is not just about safeguarding their physical body—it’s also about protecting their future. And no matter what problems they may face in life, or how difficult things may get, Mom will always be by their side.
Originally published on theAsianparent Thailand
