Z-drugs for drug facilitated sexual assaults

Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) is a type of sexual savagery against an individual debilitated by a psychealtering substance, such as alcohol or “date rape drugs”. It is estimated that 75% of all acquaintance rapes involve alcohol or drugs. When used with alcohol, drugs can result in a loss of consciousness and a loss of the ability to consent to sexual intercourse. Most DFSA victims are women, and the culprits are men, although men can also be victims. The psychoactive substance most commonly relatedto DFSA is alcohol. However, recreational drug use levels are rising, and drug markets expand, providing faster and cheaper ways to incapacitate a victim. Using drugs for non-consensual sexual activity has led to the introduction of terms such as “date rape drugs” and “drink spiking.”

Accurate data on the incidence of sexual assaults are not available, and police reports are likely to understate the particular numbers significantly. DFSA drugs usually are found at dance clubs, raves, and bars, yet they are also sold in schools, college campuses, and private parties. Drugs commonly attributed to DFSA include prescription medications like anxiety medicines, muscle relaxers, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and street drugs. Many drugs also can be purchased via the Internet, while others, like prescription benzodiazepines, z-drugs (Zolpidem, Zopiclone, Eszopiclone, and Zaleplon), are often available at home. Precautions to dodge drug-facilitated rape include drinking beverages slowly, keeping an eye fixed on and mixing one's drinks, watching because the drink is poured, and obtaining a fresh one after leaving the drink unattended (e.g., after dancing).