Progressive Martial Arts: On Guard

Special K, Make Her Mine, Liquid Dream, EZ-Lay, Forget Me Pill, R2 Do U, Ruff Up, Scoop Her, Get Her to Bed, X Rater are not the names of X-rated movies. These are just a few of the street names used for date rape drugs, or more accurately predator drugs. Medically known as Rohypnol, Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and Ketamine, these drugs are easily attainable at a low cost, which has put a very potent weapon in the hands of sexual predators. All three drugs have harmful effects such as loss of inhibition, amnesia, loss of motor control, euphoria and intoxication. They also have potentially lethal effects such as coma, severe respiratory depression and an abnormally slow heart beat. Worse, these drugs are odorless, tasteless and colorless, which enables predators to spike drinks, food and even cigarettes. It’s obvious how easily a drug-facilitated rape could be accomplished. Men are not immune from this threat; ten percent of predator drug victims are male.

Some may think that predator drugs are not a problem in our region. Unfortunately, these drugs are here and you need to be on guard. So, what can you do to protect yourself? Remember “Knowledge is Power” and we use knowledge to form “tactics”.

1. Go to parties and clubs with friends. Don’t ditch your friends!
2. Do not accept opened drinks or drinks in glasses from anyone you do not know or trust.
3. At bars or clubs, always order your drinks directly from the bartender and watch him/her prepare your drink.
4. Bring your drink with you! Never leave your drink unattended or turn your back on your table.
5. Never drink from punch bowls, pitchers, or other community containers.
6. If a friend seems “too intoxicated”, get someone to help you with your friend if necessary and leave immediately.

Knowledge is Power, Use It!

Visit these websites for more information about date rape drugs:

About: Teen Advice
US Drug Enforcement Administration
The Federal Government Source for Women’s Health Information
Men Against Sexual Assault

Local Resources

PAVSA (Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault)

24-Hour Hotline:
Toll free: 1-866-229-7425
218-726-1442

Address:
32 East 1st Street
Suite 200
Duluth, Minnesota 55802

Email: pavsa@pavsa.org

North Shore Horizons Domestic Abuse/ Sexual Assault

24-Hour Crisis Line:
218-834-5924
1-800-834-5923

Address:
525 4th Ave.
Two Harbors, MN 55616