Drug‐Facilitated Sexual Assault on Campus: Challenges and Interventions

Abstract

The use of gamrna-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) to facilitate sexual assault is increasing on campuses nationwide. This article provides college counselors with an overview of the use of GHB in campus sexual assault, outlines suggestions for crisis intervention, and discusses the challenges of counseling survivors of drug-facilitated sexual assault.

Club Drug Use and Intentionality in Perceptions of Rape Victims

“…While these effects are similar to alcohol, users of GHB report more frequent and unpredictable loss of consciousness, lasting upwards of 5 h (Freese et al 2002). In addition, rapid intoxication and anterograde amnesia can occur after ingesting less than one teaspoon of the colorless, odorless liquid (Hensley 2002). Since the salty taste can be masked relatively easy after it is dissolved in any kind of liquid, perpetrators of sexual assault may find it easy to "spike" a potential victim's drink without their knowledge.…”

Gamma Hydroxybutyrate Use: Exploring the Influence of Outcome Expectancies Through Memory Modeling

“…9,17,21 These characteristics have led to a rise in GHB use to commit sexual assaults and other serious crimes due to its potent disorienting effects that corrupt the victim's memory, leading to vague or nonexistent recall of these attacks. 9,17 In fact, U.S. statistics show that GHB has surpassed Rohypnol as the drug most frequently used to facilitate sexual assaults, given its relative availability, low cost, and undetectable characteristics. 17 Despite increasing recognition of the dangers associated with GHB use, the prevalence and frequency of negative consequences resulting from GHB consumption continue to be encouraged by its availability and proximity to universities and colleges.…”

“…20 Another particularly concerning feature of GHB is its ability to induce memory loss, cause blackouts, and incapacitate. 2,17,21 GHB is easily concealed in commonly consumed beverages, allowing easy administration to individuals without their knowledge. 9,17,21 These characteristics have led to a rise in GHB use to commit sexual assaults and other serious crimes due to its potent disorienting effects that corrupt the victim's memory, leading to vague or nonexistent recall of these attacks.…”

“…2,17,21 GHB is easily concealed in commonly consumed beverages, allowing easy administration to individuals without their knowledge. 9,17,21 These characteristics have led to a rise in GHB use to commit sexual assaults and other serious crimes due to its potent disorienting effects that corrupt the victim's memory, leading to vague or nonexistent recall of these attacks. 9,17 In fact, U.S. statistics show that GHB has surpassed Rohypnol as the drug most frequently used to facilitate sexual assaults, given its relative availability, low cost, and undetectable characteristics.…”

“…3,6,[10][11][12][13][14] Individuals have experienced respiratory depression, coma, and even death due to a lack of timely medical attention in cases where they have been left to "sleep off" the effects of GHB intoxication. 5,6,9,[15][16][17] In the United States alone, the prevalence of emergency room visits made by young adults due to overdoses or from experiencing unexpected symptoms associated with GHB use increased 2,200% within the decade following the removal of GHB from the consumer market, with males involved in approximately 70% of all GHB-related emergency department mentions and abuse of GHB overall. 12,18,19 Furthermore, a study assessing medical students' attitudes toward club drugs found that males perceived lower risk of harm from regular use of GHB than females, which may also point to possible factors for the differential rates of GHB use and negative consequences observed between men and women.…”