Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate, also known as GHB or the date rape drug, is no longer the only predatory drug being used on unsuspecting victims, campus officials said.
Other drug forms similar to GHB, such as 1,4-butanediol and Gamma Butyro Lactone, are showing up in reports as methods contributing to sexual assault, said Kathryn Saichuk, Wellness Center’s education wellness coordinator.
“They have the same effects as GHB because they can cause lower respiratory heart rate, a comatose state, and too much can be lethal,” Saichuk said.
She said these lesser known chemicals come from ink jet cleaners, paint thinners and other cleaning chemicals.
“They’re diluted forms of paint thinners, so anyone can buy these things,” Saichuk said. “The amount someone might buy is questionable.”
Possession of even the most minuet amount of these mind altering drugs is considered a felony, and it is illegal in Louisiana to purchase products like paint thinner or cleaners for human consumption. The punishment for possession is up to 30 years imprisonment, she said.
Saichuk said another common method of drugging victims is by using the prescription drug rohypnol. She said although the drug is illegal in the states, it is legal and used often in other countries. The effects of this drug are more noticeable than others.
“Someone will feel drugged if they’ve had that slipped into their drink,” Saichuk said.
She said these drugs can have the affect of making victims or users more amorous and “touchy feely,” giving the impression to others that they are hitting on someone.
“Many times someone will be out drinking and they and their friends just assume that person has been drinking too much,” she said. “A lot of people don’t feel they have the right to say anything. No one at any time has the right to take advantage of you.”
Mark Dumane, a prosecutor for the District Attorney’s office, said one out of 10 rape cases is prosecuted. One reason so few are taken to court, he said, is because college students do not what to peruse a case that will cause them to suffer the ramifications.
“It’s hard for victims because first there is the violence of the crime itself, then they have the horror of going through the trial,” Dumane said.
He said in cases when substances are used to drug the victims, the perpetrator can not only be charged with forcible rape but also with drug distribution. Someone also can be charged with murder if a victim dies.
“Anybody over the age of 17 is prosecuted as an adult,” Dumane said. “If you’ve committed a crime, no one really cares if you’re a student.”
The Wellness Center provides students with information on “club drugs” like GHB through Web sites such as “Ask Mike” and a student group “ekorps” where students can post questions and revive feedback.
Martin Pfeiffer, a political science senior and member of “ekorps,” said the group is dedicated to providing information and education about drug, alcohol and tobacco use. They also want to explain the effects of “club drugs.”
“There is an existence of predatory drugs and people need to be aware,” Pfeiffer said. “Statistics show a large number of rapes go unreported, but there is obviously a problem.”
According to crime statistics from LSUPD released this fall, one rape was reported in 2002, and one in 1999. No rapes were reported in 2000 or 2001.
Saichuk said date rape drug incidences are not isolated to women. She said there have been cases when perpetrators drugged other men in order to move in on them or their dates.
“We need to remind everyone to look out for each other because it’s happening not just on campus but in bars, restaurants and apartments nearby,” Saichuk said.