Mixing Rohypnol & Alcohol | Effects & Dangers

Flunitrazepam (brand name Rohypnol) is not approved for medical use in the United States. It is classified as a benzodiazepine and is smuggled into the United States from other countries. 

The drug targets the central nervous system (CNS) to create a sedative effect. Flunitrazepam is known as the “date rape drug” due to the fact that, unfortunately, some people place the drug in someone else’s alcoholic drink as a manipulation tactic.

This drug, especially when mixed with alcohol, causes extreme sedation. Because of the sedative properties, rape and sexual assault occur more frequently by those seeking to harm others. 

A predator may use Rohypnol mixed with alcohol to potentially assault the person who has unknowingly been given the drug.

Effects Of Rohypnol

Rohypnol is tasteless, making it incredibly easy to spike a drink without someone knowing. This is part of the reason why it is known as a club drug. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains that other common club drugs include:

• MDMA (ecstasy)
• amphetamine
• GHB
• ketamine
• LSD (acid)

CNS Depressant

Sometimes used at raves and parties by college students and young adults, Rohypnol can be turned into a weapon against someone in a horrible way. Rohypnol is a central nervous system depressant like alcohol. 

Someone drinking a large amount of alcohol may never be aware that their drink contains this drug. However, this is how heavy sedation can occur. 

Side Effects

Once someone has been heavily sedated, they may begin to experience the effects of Rohypnol which include:

• muscle relaxation
• drowsiness
• decreased anxiety
• impaired mental functioning
• confusion
• aggression
• headache
• loss of motor coordination

Street Names For Rohypnol

In addition to being referred to as the date rape drug, Rohypnol goes by a wide array of street names such as:

• circles
• roofies
• lunch money drug
• forget-me pill
• roches
• ropies
• ruffies
• ​wolfies
• rophies
• roaches
• la rocha
• Mexican valium

Effects & Dangers Of Mixing Rohypnol & Alcohol

Because Rohypnol and alcohol cause sedative effects, one might experience:

• slow heart rate
• memory loss
• disinhibition
• ​black outs
• cardiovascular collapse

Respiratory Depression

According to the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), high doses of Rohypnol combined with alcohol can lead to unconsciousness, respiratory depression, and death. 

Sexual Assault

Another horrible factor of combining alcohol with Rohypnol is the fact that sexual assault is common in relation to the use of the drug. Because it’s a clear liquid, it can easily be ingested without the person knowing. 

Memory Loss & Sedation

In addition to memory loss and sedation, combining Rohypnol and alcohol may lead to severe withdrawal symptoms that may require specific treatment.

Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol, by itself, poses numerous health concerns if consumed in large quantities or over a long period of time. 

Short-Term Side Effects

When you drink excessive amounts of alcohol, you’ll begin to notice short-term effects such as:

• slurred speech
• lack of coordination
• blood pressure fluctuations
• slowed breathing
• vision impairment
• black outs
• impaired motor functions
• changes in mood

Although alcohol causes short-term side effects to the body, it can also be harmful in other ways due to the extent of your inebriation. For instance, heavy short-term alcohol use can result in:

• falls
• drownings
• motor vehicle crashes
• homicide
• suicide
• alcohol poisoning
• burns

  Long-Term Side Effects

Those who engage in alcohol abuse may experience long-term negative side effects which include:

• liver disease
• memory problems
• high blood pressure
• cancer
• cardiomyopathy
• pancreatitis
• weakened immune system
• heart disease
• stroke
• brain damage
• mood changes
• mental health problems such as depression and anxiety

If you or a loved one struggle with alcohol or drug use, professional treatment is available. For information on our substance abuse treatment centers, please contact us today.