Rape Drug – GHB

“I don’t know that many 12 to 13 year olds that read the newspaper really have a full awareness that this can kill you, so I think information – I think education is the key.” Ann Burdges,Assault Expert

Thirteen-year-old girls are barely old enough to date, much less understand the dangers of boys dropping drugs in their drinks. “I guess I should be careful, but you know,” says Meghan.But, date rape experts say that could be a mistake – sometimes a deadly one.In January, a 15-year-old Michigan girl died after GHB (Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) was slipped into her Mountain Dew when she wasn’t watching. It was the 58th death attributed to the drug since 1990. Once considered to be a primary risk at bars or college parties, GHB is now finding its way into the soft drinks of pre-teen girls as young as twelve.GHB is a colorless, odorless liquid that is a popular drug among rapists because of the drunk-like, semi-conscious state that it produces. Easily available, it can be made at home with common ingredients. But, teaching young girls the risks of budding romance is much harder. Assault Expert Ann Burdges says, “it’s out there but, it happens to somebody else. ‘I would never lose control. You know, I’m 14 and I know all the answers.'” Breaking through that feeling of invulnerability in teens isn’t easy. Experts say parents should share newspaper stories about date rape with their young daughters. This will help make it clear that the risks are real. “I don’t know that many 12 to 13 year olds that read the newspaper really have a full awareness that this can kill you, so I think information – I think education is the key,” says Burges.Armed with the facts about GHB, girls may be more likely to think twice about coming back to a drink – even if they only let it out of their sight for a moment.

About GHB:

According to the Food and Drug Administration, GHB is a chemical that has been promoted as a steroid alternative for bodybuilding and other uses for several years. Recently it has gained favor as a recreational drug because of its intoxicating effects. Although in the past, GHB has undergone clinical testing for several indications, it has never been approved for sale as a medical product in this country.Starting in 1990, The FDA began an intense investigation of GHB distribution after numerous cases of GHB-related illness were reported. Reported symptoms have included vomiting, dizziness, tremors and seizures.

Source: The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information.

Laws Regarding GHB

On February 18, 2000, President Clinton signed a bill (H.R. 2130), which makes GHB a schedule 1 drug. This makes it a crime to process, manufacture, or sell GHB punishable by up to 20 years in prison. It is now in the same drug class as marijuana or heroin. The signing of this bill by President Clinton reflects the Congress’ judgment that possession and distribution of GHB should be prohibited and that violators should be subject to stringent criminal sanctions.

Source: The Stone Cold Truth

Teaching Values

We all have behavior expectations. Principles and standards often determine these expectations. Here are some suggestions from Partnership for a Drug-Free America on ways to help make your family’s values clear.

• Talk openly about why values such as honesty, self-reliance and responsibility are so important. Knowing how your family feels about these values can help children to make good decisions.
• Look at how you yourself live. Children copy their parent’s behavior – you are their model. Your actions do affect their development
• Make sure that your children understand your family values. Role-play and discuss common situations to test their knowledge and understanding.

Source: Partnership for a Drug-Free America

Resources

Partnership for a Drug-Free America –
Natal Clearinghouse for Alcohol & Drug Information –
Shands Health Care –
The Stone Cold Truth – GHB