Rohypnol is a prescription benzodiazepine that is illegal in the United States. It is a powerful sedative with the potential for serious side effects and complications.
While this drug is available in other countries around the world, manufacturing, selling, and using Rohypnol is not allowed in this country. However, people in the US may obtain and use it illegally.
This article will explore Rohypnol use. You will learn:
- How long Rohypnol’s effects last
- How long it remains in the body
- What factors affect how long Rohypnol remains stays in your system
- Where to find substance abuse treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with Rohypbol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our treatment and recovery programs. Reach out with questions, to verify your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Rohypnol?
Rohypnol is the brand name for a benzodiazepine drug called flunitrazepam. It is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. This means it reduces CNS activity, which can produce calming or sedative effects.
Many people know Rohypnol as “the date rape drug.” This is because people may give Rohypnol to unknowing victims to facilitate a sexual assault. Victims may accept drinks with Rohypnol mixed in, or a perpetrator may secretly slip the drug into someone’s drink.
The effects of the drug can cause relaxation and memory loss, allowing perpetrators to take advantage of their victims without protest or memory. The effects of Rohypnol may last up to 12 hours.
Other common nicknames for Rohypnol include:
- Roples
- Wolfies
- La Rocha
- Circles
- Roofies
- Ropies
- Ruffies
- Lunch Money Drug
- Forget Me Pill
People may abuse Rohypnol for its sedative and relaxant effects. Rohypnol abuse is hazardous, and people may develop an addiction to it after prolonged or heavy use.
Understanding Rohypnol Abuse
Rohypnol is illegal throughout the United States. Still, people may obtain and use it illegally. People may use it to facilitate a sexual assault or abuse it for its effects.
The effects of Rohypnol typically begin within about 30 minutes of ingesting it. Some of the effects of Rohypnol include:
- Impaired judgment
- Headache
- Drowsiness or sedatives
- Slower reflexes
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Reduced anxiety
- Loss of coordination
The effects of Rohypnol can last up to 12 hours. Combining Rohypnol with other sedatives like alcohol or opioids increases the risk of complications. People who take high doses or combine it with other drugs may experience:
- Dangerously low heart rate
- Blackouts
- Excessive sedation
- Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
There is not enough research about the long-term effects of Rohypnol abuse. However, the short-term dangers of this drug make it clear that using it is dangerous, and people who abuse it require treatment as soon as possible.
How Long Does Rohypnol Stay in Your System?
Rohypnol may remain in the body longer than its effects last. Drug testing can detect Rohypnol in urine, blood, hair, and saliva for various periods.
Here is an overview of how long drug testing may detect Rohypnol.
Urine
Urine testing is the most common form of drug screening because it is inexpensive and non-invasive. Urine testing may detect Rohypnol and its metabolites for up to five days after your last dose.
Blood
Blood testing is less common than urine tests. It has a shorter detection window and is a more invasive form of drug screening. Blood testing is most common in medical settings, such as during hospital admission. It may detect Rohypnol for up to 24 hours after the last dose.
Saliva
Saliva testing isn’t common when testing for the date rape drug.
Hair
Hair testing is uncommon but has the longest detection window of all screenings. It may detect Rohypnol up to 90 days after the last dose.
If you are concerned about the detection times for different drug tests, it may be a sign you need treatment or support to stop using it. If you or someone you love struggles with central nervous system depressant abuse, seek treatment as soon as possible.
What Factors Affect How Long Rohypnol Remains in Your Body?
Several factors can affect how long roofies stay in your system. The amount you take is one of the most significant factors determining how long the drug remains in your body. Other factors include:
- How often you take Rohypnol
- Your general health
- Your kidney and liver functioning
- Your weight and body composition
- Gender
- Other substances used at the same time
Rohypnol abuse is dangerous and can lead to addiction, overdose, and other complications. If you abuse Rohypnol, get medical professional help as soon as possible.
Find Rohypnol Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you love struggle with Rohypnol abuse or other substance abuse, you are not alone. Archstone Behavioral Health offers comprehensive treatment and recovery support programs to help you gain control over your health and future. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake assessment.
References:
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Rohypnol
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Detection of flunitrazepam and 7-aminoflunitrazepam in oral fluid after controlled administration of rohypnol
- NIH: A sensitive immunoassay for flunitrazepam and metabolites
