August 21, 2024

Signs & Symptoms of Being Roofied and How to Recover

Being roofied is a scary experience that can happen to anyone. It involves someone secretly putting drugs in your drink, leading to confusion, memory loss, and other serious effects. Knowing the signs and what to do can help you stay safe.

This page explains how to recognize the signs of being roofied and shows you how to recover – staying informed is the first step in protecting yourself. You can also find out how to connect with compassionate and effective treatment for mental health issues or substance abuse.

Roofied Meaning

What does it mean to get roofied, then? Roofied is a term used when someone has been drugged without their knowledge, usually by having a drug slipped into their drink. This term comes from the drug Rohypnol, informally known as roofies. Rohypnol is a powerful sedative that can trigger extreme drowsiness, confusion, and memory loss. When someone is roofied, they might not remember what happened while under the drug’s influence. Sadly, people often use these drugs to take advantage of others, so understanding roofies meaning and the signs of being drugged can help you stay safe.

Statistics of Being Roofied

Being roofied is more common than many people realize, especially in social settings like parties, bars, and clubs. Research shows that 1 in 13 college students have reported being drugged without their consent. Women are more frequently targeted, but men can be victims too. According to some reports, nearly 80% of those who have been roofied are women, and many of these incidents lead to sexual assault.

Which Drugs Are Used for Roofies?

Several drugs can be used to roofie someone, and they all have similar effects that make a person vulnerable. The most common drugs used are Rohypnol, GHB, and ketamine.

Rohypnol is a strong sedative that can make a person extremely drowsy and cause memory loss. It’s often called roofies and is the drug most associated with drink spiking.

GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) is another drug used in drink spiking. It’s a liquid that has no color or smell, making it easy to slip into a drink without being noticed. GHB can cause a person to feel dizzy, confused, and very tired.

Ketamine is a drug used medically as an anesthetic. In lower doses, it can make a person feel detached from their body, confused, and unable to move or remember what’s happening. Ketamine is also commonly misused in drink spiking.

These drugs are dangerous because they act quickly and can leave a person powerless to protect themselves. Knowing about these drugs can help you stay alert and recognize the signs if someone’s drink has been tampered with.

Signs of Being Roofied

Becoming aware of the signs of being roofied can help you stay safe. These signs can come on suddenly and may be more intense than just being drunk. Symptoms of being roofied include:

Feeling extremely drunk after a small amount of alcohol: If you feel far drunker than anticipated after just one or two drinks, you might be experiencing roofied symptoms.

Dizziness and confusion: You may start feeling dizzy, as if the room is spinning, or become confused, making it hard to think clearly or understand what’s happening around you.

Blurry vision: Your vision might become hazy or blurry, making it difficult to see things clearly or recognize people.

Sudden coordination problems: If you find it hard to walk, stand, or move without stumbling, this could indicate that you’ve been drugged.

Feeling unusually sleepy: An overwhelming urge to sleep that comes on suddenly and can’t be resisted is a strong warning sign. This sleepiness is much more intense than typical tiredness.

Memory gaps: If you lose track of time or notice that parts of your night become a blur with no clear memory of events, this could be a sign that you’ve been roofied.

These signs often appear within 15 to 30 minutes after the drug is ingested. If you or someone else notices these signs, get help immediately.

Symptoms of Being Roofied

The symptoms of being roofied affect both your body and mind, often worsening as the drug takes effect. Understanding these symptoms can help you identify if you or someone else has been drugged.

Extreme drowsiness: One of the first symptoms is feeling overwhelmingly tired, as if you can’t stay awake no matter how hard you try. This drowsiness is much stronger than what you would expect from alcohol alone.

Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach or even vomiting is another common symptom, especially if you haven’t had much to drink.

Confusion and disorientation: The drug can make you feel lost or out of place. You might struggle to understand where you are, who you’re with, or what’s happening.

Loss of muscle control: Your muscles might feel weak, making it difficult to move or speak. You might feel like your body isn’t responding the way it normally does.

Memory loss: As the drug takes hold, you might experience short-term memory loss, making it hard to remember what happened moments earlier.

Slurred speech: If you try to talk, your words might come out slurred or hard to understand.

Sudden changes in mood: Being drugged can also affect your emotions, causing sudden feelings of panic, fear, or sadness without a clear reason.

Breathing problems: In severe cases, the drug can slow down your breathing, making it difficult to get enough air. This is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention.

If you or someone else shows these symptoms, seek help right away. The effects of being roofied can be dangerous and need to be addressed immediately.

What Does Being Roofied Feel Like

Now you know what is roofied and what does roofies mean, how does it feel? Being roofied can feel very different from just being drunk or tired. It often starts with feeling suddenly dizzy or lightheaded, even if you haven’t had much to drink. You might feel a strong sense of confusion, as if you’re in a fog and can’t think clearly. Everything around you might seem blurry or distant, and it may become hard to focus on what’s happening.

As the drug takes hold, you might start to feel extremely tired, almost like you can’t keep your eyes open. Your body may feel heavy, and it can become difficult to move or speak. You might try to talk, but your words come out slurred, or you can’t seem to find the right words at all.

A frightening aspect is the sudden loss of control – both over your body and your mind. You might feel as if your muscles aren’t working properly, making it hard to stand or even sit up straight. At the same time, you might notice that your emotions are all over the place. You could feel unusually scared, anxious, or even very happy for no reason.

One of the most alarming feelings is the loss of memory. You might realize that you can’t remember what happened just a few minutes ago, and as time passes, large parts of the night may become a blur. This memory loss can leave you feeling vulnerable and frightened, especially if you’re unsure what happened during that time.

Roofie Symptoms Next Day

The day after being roofied, you may wake up feeling extremely unwell. One of the most common symptoms is a severe headache that doesn’t go away easily. It might feel like a really bad hangover, but much worse than what you’d expect based on how much you drank.

You may also feel very tired, even if you slept for a long time. This tiredness can make it hard to get out of bed or do anything. Your muscles might feel sore, and you could have a general sense of weakness throughout your body.

Another troubling symptom is the confusion that lingers into the next day. You might struggle to remember what happened the night before, and the gaps in your memory can be distressing. This confusion can make it difficult to focus or go about your normal activities.

Nausea might still be present, and you could feel like you need to throw up, even if you haven’t eaten anything. Some people also experience sensitivity to light and sound, making the day after being roofied especially uncomfortable.

Emotionally, you might feel anxious, scared, or depressed. The uncertainty about what happened and the physical symptoms can be overwhelming. If you suspect that you were roofied, get medical attention and talk to someone you trust for support.

What to Do If You or Someone Has Been Roofied

If you think you or someone else has been roofied, act quickly to ensure safety. Here’s what you should do:

Go to a safe location: If you’re in a crowded or unsafe environment, move to a safer location as soon as possible. It’s helpful to be around people you trust, like close friends.

Tell someone you trust: Let a trusted friend or family member know what’s happening. They can assist you in making decisions and keeping you safe.

Stop drinking immediately: If you suspect your drink has been spiked, stop drinking it right away. Avoid consuming any more alcohol or substances, as these can worsen the effects of the drug.

Seek medical help: Get medical attention as soon as possible. Go to the nearest hospital or urgent care center, or call 911 for emergency help. Medical professionals can test for drugs in your system and provide necessary care.

Don’t leave alone: If you’re with someone who may have been roofied, don’t leave them alone. Stay with them until help arrives, and make sure they don’t fall asleep, as this can be dangerous.

Avoid cleaning up: If you suspect you’ve been drugged, try not to shower, change clothes, or clean up before seeing a doctor – this will preserve evidence if you decide to report the incident.

How to Help

If you think that a person you’re with might have been roofied, there are steps you can take to help them:

Stay calm: Try your best to remain calm so you can think clearly and help your friend. They might be scared or confused, and your calmness can reassure them.

Move to a safe area: Get your friend to a safer place, away from crowds or anyone who might harm them. Make sure they are surrounded by trusted people.

Offer support: Reassure your friend that you’re there to help. They may feel scared or disoriented, so your support can make them feel safer.

Call for medical help: If your friend shows signs of being roofied, like extreme drowsiness, confusion, or trouble breathing, call 911 or get them to a hospital right away.

Keep them awake: Encourage your friend to stay awake and talk to them to keep them alert. If they start to lose consciousness, it’s even more urgent to get medical help.

Don’t let them leave alone: Make sure your friend doesn’t leave alone or with someone you don’t trust. Stay with them until medical help arrives or until you can get them home safely.

Who to Contact

If you or someone else has been roofied, reach out for help in one of the following ways:

Emergency services: Call 911 if you need immediate medical assistance or if someone is in danger. They can provide urgent help and get you to a hospital quickly.

A trusted friend or family member: Contact someone you trust to come and help you. They can provide support, stay with you, and assist in making decisions.

Hospital or urgent care: If you suspect you’ve been roofied, go to the nearest hospital or urgent care center. Medical staff can perform tests, provide treatment, and help you feel better.

Police: If you believe a crime has occurred, such as sexual assault, report it to the police. They can help protect you and investigate the incident.

National Sexual Assault Hotline: If you need to talk to someone confidentially about what happened, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. They offer support and can guide you on what to do next.

Local support services: Many communities have local support services, such as rape crisis centers, that can provide counseling and help you through this difficult time.

How To Recover from Being Roofied

Recovering from being roofied takes time and care, both physically and emotionally. Here’s how you can start the healing process:

Seek medical attention: The first step is to get checked by a doctor or go to the hospital. Medical professionals can ensure the drug is out of your system and treat any immediate health issues. They can also run tests to help you understand what happened and provide proper care.

Rest and hydrate: After being roofied, your body needs time to recover. Rest as much as you can, and drink plenty of water to help flush the remaining drug out of your system. Staying hydrated can help you feel better faster.

Talk to someone you trust: Share your experience with someone you trust, whether it’s a friend, family member, or counselor. Talking about what happened can help you process your feelings and start to heal emotionally.

Seek counseling: Being roofied can be traumatic. Consider talking to a therapist or joining a support group where you can share your experience and get professional help. Therapy can be a safe space to deal with any fear, anxiety, or sadness you might feel.

Take care of your mental health: It’s normal to feel upset, scared, or confused after being roofied. Make sure to take care of your mental health by practicing self-care, avoiding stressful situations, and giving yourself time to heal.

Stay connected with support: Surround yourself with supportive people who care about you. Having a strong support system can make a big difference in your recovery.

Long-Term Effects of Being Roofied

Being roofied can have long-lasting effects, both physically and emotionally. Here are some possible long-term impacts:

Memory issues: Some people may experience ongoing problems with memory after being roofied. You might find it hard to remember things that happened during or after the incident, which can be frustrating and upsetting.

Emotional trauma: The experience of being roofied can be traumatic, leading to lasting feelings of fear, anxiety, or depression. You may develop PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), which can cause flashbacks, nightmares, or difficulty feeling safe.

Trust issues: After being roofied, it can be hard to trust others, especially in social situations. You might feel nervous about going out or accepting drinks from others, which can affect your social life and relationships.

Physical health concerns: While rare, some people may have lasting physical health issues after being roofied, especially if the drug caused significant harm to their body at the time.

Impact on daily life: The emotional and psychological effects of being roofied can make it hard to go about your daily life. You might find it difficult to focus on school, work, or personal relationships, which can lead to feelings of isolation or frustration.

Coping with the aftermath: Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re coming to terms with the long-term effects of being roofied. Counseling, support groups, and talking to loved ones can all play a role in helping you regain a sense of normalcy and rebuild your confidence.

If you or someone you know is dealing with the long-term effects of being roofied, reaching out for professional support can make a major difference in the healing process.

Receive Compassionate, Science-Based Addiction Treatment at Gratitude Lodge

If you need help dealing with any substance misuse issues, we can help you at Gratitude Lodge in Newport Beach and Long Beach, California. We offer various inpatient treatment programs for all addictions and mental health issues.

You can begin your recovery with our supervised detox program. This provides access to medications and 24-hour clinical care to make the withdrawal process safer and easier.

Every addiction is unique, and everyone has different needs, so all treatment plans at Gratitude Lodge reflect this with personalized therapies, such as: