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