Rohypnol is an illegal substance that belongs to the benzodiazepines class of drugs. In the United States, Rohypnol is classified as a Schedule IV drug because of its abuse potential.[1] It is considered a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, which means it slows down activity in your brain.

You may have heard of Rohypnol being called “roofies” before. It has gained exposure in the news and media because some people use it as a date rape drug or to complete sexual assault. Unfortunately, the effects of Rohypnol cause a loss of bodily control and make it hard for people to remember what occurred while they were under the influence of it.

While Rohypnol is used as a date rape drug, some people abuse it intentionally. It can cause mind-altering side effects like euphoria, drowsiness, sedation, and more. Abusing this drug long-term will lead to the development of addiction.

What is Rohypnol?

Rohypnol is the brand name for a drug called flunitrazepam. It has never been approved for medicinal use in the United States, however, other countries prescribe it for insomnia. It produces similar effects to other benzodiazepine drugs but symptoms like amnesia and respiratory depression are more significant.

The possible effects of Rohypnol include:[2]

• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Sleep and sedation
• Amnesia and memory loss
• Lessened anxiety
• Slowed reaction times
• Impaired mental functioning and judgment
• Mental confusion
• Muscle relaxation
• Aggression or excitability
• Slurred speech and coordination issues
• Weakness
• Respiratory depression
• Slowed heart rate and weakened blood pressure

The effects of Rohypnol typically begin within 15 to 20 minutes and can last for more than 12 hours.[1] It is used as a date rape drug because it dissolves in liquid and was originally white tablets, making it colorless in a drink. Because of this, manufacturers reformulated the tablets to a green tablet that includes a dye that would make it obvious if it was mixed into a drink.

Why Do People Abuse Rohypnol?

As mentioned, Rohypnol is commonly known as a date rape drug. That said, it is not always used in this manner. Some people take it intentionally to experience a high.

Rohpynol can lead to mind-altering effects like euphoria, sedation, dizziness, drowsiness, and more. It might alter your sensory perception and lead to hypnotic effects. You will likely wake up and not remember what occurred the night before when you abused it.

Rohypnol can be dissolved into a liquid to drink. It can also be crushed and snorted. No matter how you are abusing Rohypnol, you can develop a physical dependence. Once you are addicted to it, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it.

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What are the Signs of Rohypnol Addiction?

If you are using Rohypnol, that means you are engaging in drug abuse. There is no acceptable medical use of Rohypnol in the United States. Mixing it with other drugs like MDMA or alcohol can be dangerous, increasing your risk of experiencing an overdose.

The signs of Rohypnol addiction include:

• Having a hard time controlling how much you use
• Mixing Rohypnol with other substances to increase your high
• Wanting to quit abusing it but being unsuccessful
• Failing to meet responsibilities at home, school, or work because of Rohypnol use
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from the effects of it
• Using Rohypnol in risky situations, such as while driving
• Continuing to use it despite facing adverse physical or mental health effects as a direct result
• Experiencing urges or cravings to abuse Rohypnol
• Needing to increase your dose to experience the desired effect
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities to have more time to abuse Rohypnol
• Dealing with withdrawal symptoms when you cannot use it

If you or a loved one suffers from an addiction to Rohypnol, it’s time to seek professional help. Substance use disorders can be difficult to beat, especially on your own. The first step in recovery is medical detox, a program that helps you overcome withdrawal symptoms and prepare for long-term addiction treatment.

Symptoms of a Rohypnol Overdose

If you or a loved one abuse Rohypnol, you could experience an overdose. This occurs when you take too much of the substance for your body to handle. Unfortunately, Rohypnol overdoses can be life-threatening and fatal without emergency medical care.

The signs and symptoms of a flunitrazepam overdose include:[3]

• Fine motor and coordination issues
• Slurred speech
• Slowed or stopped breathing
• Sedation, unconsciousness, and not responding to stimuli
• Slowed or stopped heartbeat
• Coma
• Death

Contact 911 immediately if you believe someone is overdosing on Rohypnol. You will not receive charges for drug possession if you are seeking emergency medical care, so you should never hesitate to call for help.

Find Help for Rohypnol Abuse and Addiction

Abusing Rohypnol can lead to the development of a substance use disorder. Addiction can be difficult to overcome without professional treatment and support. The first step in overcoming Rohypnol abuse is attending a medical detox program.

At the Charlotte Detox Center, we offer evidence-based methods to help you recover from addiction. You will receive medications and treatments that lessen withdrawal symptoms and cravings. As a result, your chances of long-term recovery increase substantially.

Contact us today for more information on our Rohypnol detox program.

References:

1. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ): Rohypnol Fast Facts 
2. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Rohypnol
3. The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health