We at the Suncoast Rehabilitation Center help people who are addicted to so-called “club drugs” (like cocaine, LSD, magic mushrooms, Rohypnol, etc) on a consistent basis. Rohypnol is distinct from most club drugs in a couple of ways.
First of all, it is known commonly by two labels – a “club” drug and a “date rape” drug. Secondly, Rohypnol is a benzodiazepine – like Valium and Xanax. Unlike Valium and Xanax, however, it is an illegal drug in the United States.
Rohypnol has many different street names, some of which are: La Roche, R2, Roach, Roofies, Rope, Rophies, Ruffies, The Forget Pill, Roofenol, and Rib.
Rohypnol is actually the brand name for a substance called flunitrazepam – which is a legal sedative in Mexico and South America. However, it is not legal here in North America. Because it is more difficult to get in the US, it’s most popular in those states which border on Mexico, or have a larger population of Mexican and South American immigrants.
Rohypnol rose in popularity for date-rape over drugs like GHB because it is completely odorless, colorless, tasteless and is easily dissolved. It creates an effect like drunkenness, and can cause sedation and/or euphoria pretty quickly – about 20-30 minutes after drinking it. This drug can also cause amnesia in its victims. Depending on the drink and strength of alcohol, these effects can happen more quickly.
