Date rape drug indicator now available for drinkers

Drink Safe Technology, Inc. has come out with a new way to stop sexual predators. They have invented small cards the size of coasters and test strips that are like business cards to discretely test your drink so no matter where you are it can be done.

This is ideal for freshmen, people who are new to a town and don't know the in's and out's of certain places, and spring breakers.

"I would use them downtown especially where there is always the thought of something going wrong one night and some guy put something in my drink," said Mary Kaufman, junior communication major.

How it works: there are two tests per coaster and card, and each test has two round spots where you put your drink onto both of them. Then smear each gently and wait until they are dry. If either spot turns dark blue, then it is highly possible that someone has slipped a date rape drug into your drink.

On the back are further details including how important lighting is, so maybe going into a bathroom stall would work best, and what drinks are approved for these tests. Straight fruit juices are not, but if they have liquor in them, then they are. Wine is not going to show up on the test and things with milk or heavy cream might have skewed results.

Although, drink such as sodas, water, hard liquors, mixed drinks beer and ales are going to work.

This all got started with a man named Francisco Guerra. He had a friend that was a victim of date rape due to the colorless, tasteless and odorless drug (most of the time it is GHB, rophynol (roofies) and ketamine). He saw what she went through in order to get passed this one night.

"I think it's good that something is being done about the problem of date rape. It has been a problem with no real solution for a while," said Lauren Dykes, junior communication major.

These drugs have about the same effects, such as GHB produces drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, seizures, severe respiratory depression and coma. Ketamine's original purpose was to be used as an anesthetic for medical purposes with humans and animals. Now, it is only used for animals legally.

According to Drinksafetech.com, the Drink Safe Web site, emergency room mentions of ketamine rose from 19 in 1994 to 396 in 1999. This is a huge increase and a growing problem. The numbers are from big cities, but that's where it all starts then spreads.

"I might use them in a place where I was unfamiliar with my surroundings like another school or a larger city," Dykes said.

Roofies are legally available in 60 countries, not the U.S., for treatment of insomnia. The feeling that a roofie gives off is like being drunk. Slurred speech and poor judgment are the main results along with walking being a great challenge. The effects of one can be felt as quick as 10 minutes after ingestion and can last up to about eight hours.

If enough is ingested then there can be more severe problems such as respiratory distress, deep sedation and blackouts that can last as long as 24 hours.

If there was a lot of alcohol already consumed or if drugs are in the system or taken afterward, overdose with possible death, if left alone, can occur.

The thought is very scary and if there is any chance of it happening, say over spring break or the beginning of college where people might take advantage of new-comers, then it would be a good idea to purchase these cards and strips. Even if they are never used, if there are a few stored in your wallet for an occasion that makes you nervous, it might ease the nerves.

"I think it is a great idea because being out at a bar and not knowing who is around you, it would be nice to know what's in your drink," Kaufman said.

This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.