If you're a young person and you go out to parties, bars, or other social gatherings, it's possible that someone could spike your drink with drugs. This is a scary reality that has affected many people. Fortunately, you can take steps to help prevent getting roofied. Keeping an eye out for certain signs can help you tell if you were drugged and, thus, roofied.

A roofie is a term used to describe getting dosed with a popular date rape drug called Rohypnol (flunitrazepam). The most common way sexual assaulters drug their victims is by putting these drugs in their drinks. The drugs are tasteless, odorless, and colorless, which allows them to hide in a variety of liquids. Other date rape drugs include Ketamine (Special K), GHB, and Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB).

When you're roofied, you may experience symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication. This is a dangerous coincidence because many of the most disturbing roofie side effects are easily mistaken for intoxication.

Some of the most alarming roofied symptoms include a feeling of disconnect from reality, confusion, or brain fog, muscle incoordination, and amnesia. Unlike drinking too much, roofied side effects are very quick to take effect. This is because drugs dissolved into drinks are fast-acting, especially immediate-release medications like Xanax or ketamine.

Getting roofied can also make you more vulnerable to being a victim of physical violence. When combined with a sedative, such as GHB, it can produce muscle weakness, paralysis, and even numbness. If you've been a victim of roofied, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, you should report the incident to the police. You can also register for Victim-Witness Notification programs through the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

The first step in coping with the trauma of being roofied is to reach out to loved ones for support. If you want to receive treatment for your substance abuse, you should choose a drug rehab that embraces a trauma-informed philosophy toward care.

To reduce your risk of being drugged and roofied, always avoid open containers such as punch bowls or cups that can be easily spiked. In addition, never accept drinks from strangers and only drink your own drinks. If you do have to share a drink, be sure that it has a lid and a secure cover. Lastly, it's helpful to stay in groups when out and about with friends. This will help you spot suspicious behavior quickly and alert others if you start to feel strange or get confused. Ultimately, the most effective way to protect yourself against being drugged and roofied is to seek out a trauma-informed facility for addiction treatment that believes in building a respectful space for those with chronically traumatic events in their lives. This will ensure you are provided with the support and care that you deserve. Whether your trauma is related to sexual assault or an incident of roofie, a trauma-informed addiction recovery center will provide you with the tools you need for long-term success.