Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that slow down activity in your central nervous system. While these substances have medicinal use and are effective in treating a wide range of conditions, they are known to be habit-forming and addictive.
Up to 17.2% of all benzodiazepine use is considered abuse, and the addiction rate for this class of drugs is high.[1]
While medications like Xanax (alprazolam) and Klonopin (clonazepam) are the most commonly abused, there are other benzodiazepines to be aware of. Another commonly abused benzodiazepine is known as Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), which is currently illegal in the United States because of its dangerous effects. If you use Rohypnol long-term, you could get addicted to it.
What is Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)?
Rohypnol is the brand name for a benzodiazepine drug known as flunitrazepam. Like many benzodiazepines, Rohypnol produces sedative, anti-anxiety, and muscle relaxant effects. However, it is banned in the United States because it can cause amnesia, significantly impaired judgment, addiction, and respiratory depression.
The effects of Rohypnol include:[2]
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Sleep
- Decreased anxiety
- Amnesia
- Changes in reaction times
- Impaired mental functioning and judgment
- Mental confusion
- Aggression or excitability
- Muscle relaxation
- Slurred speech or loss of coordination
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Respiratory depression
Rohypnol can cause people to forget what happened while they were under the influence of it, individuals may use it as a “date rape” drug. However, some people intentionally consume Rohypnol for its sedative and euphoric effects. Doing so can lead to physical dependence and addiction, which increases one’s risk of experiencing a life-threatening overdose.
How Do People Abuse Rohypnol?
Rohypnol is not available by prescription in the United States, and people who abuse it buy it from drug dealers on the street or online. It is often used as a date rape drug, so manufacturers have created a green tablet that will dye a liquid blue, however, generic versions might not contain the blue dye.[3]
When people intentionally abuse Rohypnol they may swallow the tablet, crush it and snort it, or dissolve it into a liquid. Additionally, many people who abuse Rohypnol use slang terms to ensure the people around them do not realize they are talking about it.
The common slang terms for Rohypnol include:[3]
- Circles
- Forget-me-pill
- La Rocha
- Lunch money drug
- Mexican valium
- Pingus
- R2
- Reynolds
- Roach
- Roach 2
- Roaches
- Robutal
- Rochas dos
- Roofies
- Rophies
- Row-shay
- Ruffies
- Wolfies
If you or a loved one regularly abuses Rohypnol, you could be addicted to it. Drug rehab programs like Mandala Healing Center can provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve long-term sobriety.
Signs of Rohypnol Addiction
Many people abuse Rohypnol to cope with the symptoms of an untreated mental health condition or to enhance the effects of other substances like alcohol, MDMA, or other party drugs. If you are worried that a loved one is abusing Rohypnol, being aware of the signs of addiction can help you determine whether they need professional treatment.
The common signs of Rohypnol addiction include:
- Extreme drowsiness or prolonged sleeping patterns
- Lowered inhibitions and making more risky decisions
- Confusion and forgetfulness
- Missing classes, failing grades, or skipping work
- Aggressive or agitated behavior
- Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Apathy towards friends and loved ones
- Mixing the substance with other drugs
- Needing more of the substance to experience a desired effect (developing tolerance)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they cannot use Rohypnol
Rohypnol abuse can be dangerous, especially if you are combining it with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol. Doing so could lead to life-threatening overdoses that cause symptoms of respiratory depression.
The Signs of a Rohypnol Overdose
While many of the long-term effects of Rohypnol abuse are still unknown, it is proven that abusing it frequently can lead to addiction. When you become addicted to a drug like Rohypnol, you will develop a tolerance, meaning you will begin using larger doses to experience the desired effect. Using large amounts of Rohypnol or combining it with other drugs can lead to life-threatening overdoses.
The signs of a Rohypnol overdose include:[3]
- Extreme signs of intoxication
- Inability to walk
- Severely slurred speech
- Slowed respiratory rate
- Severe sedation and unconsciousness
- Slowed heart rate
- Stopped breathing
- Coma
- Death
Rohypnol overdoses can lead to sudden death, so you should always contact 911 if a loved one is displaying the symptoms listed above.
Finding Help for Rohypnol Abuse and Addiction
Rohypnol is a dangerous and illegal substance that can lead to long-term dependency and addiction. If you or a loved one frequently abuses Rohypnol, it’s time to consider professional treatment. At Mandala Healing Center, our individualized and holistic approach to recovery can help you regain control of your life.
To learn more about our Rohypnol addiction treatment program, contact us today.
References:
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Benzodiazepine Use and Misuse Among Adults in the United States, Retrieved October 2023 From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6358464/
- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Rohypnol, Retrieved October 2023 From https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/rohypnol
- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Drug Fact Sheet: Rohypnol, Retrieved October 2023 From https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Rohypnol-2020.pdf