Knockout Drops: Definition, History, and Characteristics
Knockout drops, also known as date rape drugs, are drugs used to facilitate sexual assault. These drugs induce a state of unconsciousness, often called “knockout,” in which the victim is unable to resist or remember the attack. Knockout drops can be added to beverages or administered directly to the victim without their knowledge. This article reviews the definition, history, and characteristics of knockout drops.
Definition
Knockout drops are drugs used to facilitate sexual assault. These drugs are designed to induce a state of unconsciousness, in which the victim is unable to resist or remember the attack. Commonly used knockout drops include GHB and Rohypnol, which are both forms of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
History
Knockout drops first appeared in the early 1990s, when Rohypnol was introduced to the United States. This drug quickly became known as a “date rape drug” due to its use in facilitating sexual assault. Since then, the use of knockout drops has grown, with GHB being increasingly used for the same purpose.
Characteristics
Knockout drops are colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making them difficult to detect in beverages. They can be added to drinks without the victim’s knowledge, and they can cause a person to become unconscious in as little as 30 minutes. This unconsciousness can last for several hours, during which time the victim may be vulnerable to sexual assault. In addition, the effects of these drugs can be difficult to detect, as they often cause memory loss and confusion.
Conclusion
Knockout drops are drugs used to facilitate sexual assault. These drugs induce a state of unconsciousness, in which the victim is unable to resist or remember the attack. Knockout drops are colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and can be added to beverages without the victim’s knowledge. This article has provided an overview of the definition, history, and characteristics of knockout drops.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Sexual Violence: Date Rape Drugs. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence/date-rape-drugs.html
Friedman, L. (2017). Drugs Used to Facilitate Sexual Assault. Psychiatric Times, 34(4). Retrieved from https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/sexual-offenses/drugs-used-facilitate-sexual-assault
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). GHB. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/ghb