Any kind of gathering or party where people socialize, meet with friends, and make new connections is supposed to be a joyful experience. Unfortunately, some of the people you encounter do not have good intentions – their goal is to sedate an unsuspecting individual to take advantage of them. But how can you understand you were given date rape drugs? How to tell if someone is roofied as opposed to drunk? And what can you do to protect yourself from such a dangerous situation?
In this guide we will find the difference between the terms “roofied” vs “drunk” and explore the ways a person can safeguard themselves against such troubles.
Common Symptoms of Being Roofied
If someone puts drugs in your drink, the effects of it will be almost immediate. Here is how you can figure out you were given substances with the purpose of drugging you:
- You feel nauseous to the point of vomiting.
- Your head feels heavy and you cannot keep your balance.
- You experience intense fear, panic, and paranoia.
- You have hallucinations and struggle to speak.
- Your reaction time is slow and you cannot make the right decisions.
Recognizing Signs of Alcohol Intoxication
Roofied vs drunk: do you need to worry? When it comes to signs of being drunk, they are typically more obvious, and more people are familiar with the side effects of drinking excessively:
- A mildly intoxicated person will feel confident, outspoken, and relaxed. They may experience certain coordination difficulties in addition to decreased memory and judgment.
- An individual who is moderately intoxicated will exhibit mood swings, their speech will be slurred, they will be less alert and responsive than usual, and they will feel dizzy and nauseous.
- The most severe intoxication cases lead to hallucinations and delusions, issues with speaking and coordination, and low body temperature. Note that if the person cannot breathe normally, they cannot stop vomiting, and their heart hurts, they may be going through an overdose and are in need of medical assistance.
Key Differences Between Being Roofied and Drunk
Although it is complicated to figure out the difference between roofied and drunk behavior, there are ways to understand what you feel is not an adverse effect of too much drinking:
- The intoxication is much quicker – you will feel drunk after one or two glasses or shots.
- It is difficult to be aware of your surroundings, think clearly, and even recognize the faces of people you know.
- Roofies take a toll on your coordination immediately – you cannot even stand straight which does not usually happen unless you have been drinking non-stop.
- You cannot rely on your memory – alcohol can erase some of the things that took place but roofies will leave large gaps in the parts of your evening or night.
Immediate Actions to Take If You Suspect You’ve Been Roofied
Whether you are getting ready to go to a concert or club for the very first time or you want to ensure your health and safety are protected no matter what social scenario you are in, it is better to be safe than sorry and know what to do if you exhibit the symptoms of being roofied:
| Advice | Description |
| Get Professional Help | Calling emergency services must be the first thing on your list – do not try to counteract the effects of roofies with random medications, especially when you do not know exactly what type of substance was slipped into your drink |
| Stay Where You Are | Unless you are in imminent danger, do not try to run away or get behind the wheel. The best idea is to remain where many people are as well as tell others about what happened if there is a chance they may help you |
| Hydrate | Even though it might be difficult, drink as much clear water as you are able to – this will remove the traces of roofies from your system. Do not drink more alcohol or drinks you got before you noticed the symptoms |
| Undergo a Forensic Exam | If your memory fails you and you cannot be certain in regard to what happened over the past few hours, consider talking to a healthcare provider right away to check if there are any signs of assault – and you will need this evidence to ensure your case is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law |
Preventive Measures to Stay Safe in Social Settings
Remember: a person who was roofied is not to be blamed for the atrocities of another individual. Still, there are certain measures you can take to increase your confidence in various social situations and lower the chances of someone taking advantage of you in a vulnerable state:
| Tip | Description |
| Eat Before Going Out | While eating a full meal or grabbing a snack will not mitigate the negative effects of roofies, you can at least ensure you are not as intoxicated as you could be by consuming alcohol on an empty stomach. Hydration matters too – the best thing is to drink water before and during a social gathering |
| Stay In Touch With Others | Find someone you trust – it can be a friend you go to a party with or a person in your family or college who stays home and checks in on you from time to time. Even if this does not happen, it is best to let another individual know where you are especially when it is your first time in a new city, district, or company of peers or colleagues |
| Be Mindful of Your Phone | Leaving your phone unattended is dangerous not just because it may be stolen but also because you never know when you might need help. Keep it charged, carry a power bank, and know in advance who to call if there is a problem |
| Be Careful With Your Drink | Do not leave your glass unattended – always know who is near and insist on watching how the beverage is made to be certain there is nothing added to it. Additionally, refuse to accept drinks from people you do not know and do not trust |
| Have a Back-Up Plan | This is a great habit to adopt not just for social settings but in general. Have a bit of cash with you if your card declines, know where you can get a taxi nearby or where is the closest bus station, and change into flats instead of wearing heels all night if you get tired after drinking |
Supporting Someone Who May Have Been Roofied or Drunk at Opus Health
If your drink was ever spiked, someone assaulted you while you were under the influence of alcohol and incapable of giving consent, or you want to know how to help your family member or friend who was a victim of similar circumstances, you should seek professional help. A therapist who is ready to listen to your story, explain the difference between roofied and drunk behavior, treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve, and show you what can be done to move forward and rebuild your life can be a great source of support and consolation.
At Opus Health, we are ready to provide you with guidance and consolation you may desperately need – get in touch with us without hesitation and regain a sense of direction and clarity.
FAQs
How can you identify the symptoms of being roofied compared to drunken behavior?
The symptoms will manifest quickly – a person will feel anxious, sedated, and confused, they may panic on the inside while their body relaxes, they will be unable to speak clearly, and they will deal with memory loss.
What are the immediate signs of alcohol intoxication versus the effects of roofies?
It is relatively easy to comprehend the difference between roofied vs drunk – a drunk person will be unusually friendly and loud, they will rely on curse words to get their point across and act carelessly without thinking about consequences, their eyes and skin will be red, and the smell of alcohol will most likely be very noticeable.
How do you differentiate between alcohol poisoning symptoms and signs of being roofied?
Getting drunk very suddenly, seeing things that are not there, feeling paranoid and on the edge, and experiencing major mental confusion are all signs of being roofied. Remember that if you are not sure about what happened, it is better to err on the side of caution and talk to a medical professional quickly to establish what has transpired.
What are the key differences in behavior when someone is drunk versus when they are under the influence of date rape drugs?
If you do not remember your recent actions, feel disoriented and lost, have a severe hangover despite not drinking much, and all of this is combined with bruises, scratches, or even more serious injuries you cannot explain, it may mean you were roofied and it was not just drunken behavior.
What steps should you take if you suspect someone has been roofied rather than just drunk?
The effects of roofies are often severe and unpredictable so if you notice someone is behaving as if their beverage was spiked, take them to a safe location, ensure they are getting enough water and fresh air, and stay with the person to calm them down. In case your suspicions have any weight, such circumstances also warrant a visit to the emergency room.
