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A Closer Look At Rohypnol Addiction And Treatment

Rohypnol is a type of sedative that is mainly used in Europe and South America, and it is illegal in the United States. This drug is in the same family as the well-known Xanax or Valium, but it is 10 times stronger than the latter.

Rohypnol is also known under the name of "Date rape drug" because it can cause amnesia, if used in high amounts. It has become very popular in the US back in the 1990s and many have sold the drug in clubs and private parties. The drug was widely used because it it odorless and tasteless, therefore it can be easily added to a person's drink.

Women who have been sexually assaulted do not remember anything about the rape, and those who suspect they might have been drugged can ask for laboratory tests that can detect the presence of the drug. Generally, the drug comes under the form of pills, but it can also be snorted as a powder or dissolved in liquid. Unfortunately, the date rape drug is widely used nowadays mainly because of its low cost and the euphoric feeling that it induces.

What Are The Main Signs Of Addiction?

There are several visible signs which can lead to the suspicion of drug addiction, and parents should pay attention to the following signs: constant headaches, impaired balanced, impaired speech, serious depression or absenteeism at school or work. Nonetheless, these signs are not clear indicators of Rohypnol addiction as they can suggest any type of addiction.

Statistics

It is very difficult to gather accurate information and statistics regarding this type of drug addiction, due to the fact that it is illegal in the US. However, the use of Rohypnol has significantly decreased over the past several years, and it is believed that approximately 1% of high school students have used the drug at least once (the initial percentage was 1.6%).

How Is Rohypnol Addiction Treated?

First and foremost, the patient must admit that he or she has a problem which requires professional help. The addiction cannot be treated unless the patient acknowledges the problem and is willing to be treated. The addiction can occur within several weeks or months after taking the first dose of Rohypnol.

Rohypnol addiction is very dangerous, and if the drug is consumed over a large period of time it can cause bothersome symptoms such as vision problems, dizziness, nausea, disorientation, extreme sleepiness and even loss of consciousness. Moreover, this addiction can lead to both psychological and physical tolerance. At that point, the patient will gradually increase the dose. Rohypnol overdose can induce coma and it can even cause death.

Rohypnol addiction can be successfully treated with the help of a professional in the field of drug addiction. Usually, the detox program lasts between 3 to 5 days, and it is coupled with constant monitoring. Initially, the treatment starts with cognitive behavior training and then group counseling will be added to the treatment.

Nonetheless, the treatment varies based on certain factors such as age and gender: there are gender-specific and age-specific centers that deal with addiction treatment. In addition, the severity and length of the patient's addiction are two other important factors that can influence the success of the treatment. Patients can usually be treated at home, but in some cases the treatment may require hospitalization.

The treatments and techniques that are used to cure Rohypnol addiction are basically the same for every type of drug addiction: individual and group therapy are two of the most widely used techniques, and they have a very high success rate. In addition, anger management therapy sessions and family therapy may also be needed.

At the beginning of the treatment, the patient may experience one or more withdrawal symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include severe headaches, muscle pain, irritability, confusion, severe anxiety and such. These symptoms will eventually fade away, but this is certainly one of the most difficult part of the treatment and the patient needs all the support he or she can get.

Fortunately, there are numerous centers that treat alcohol and substance abuse. Generally speaking, the treatment for substance abuse can last anywhere between 30 and 90 days, and the patient will receive long-term support in order to prevent addiction in the future. One of the main advantages of these rehabilitation centers is that they offer customized treatment plans for every patient, they do not use general treatments that can apply to just any patient.

In conclusion, Rohypnol addiction can be successfully treated. This is a lengthy process that requires a lot of patience and ambition, but the encouraging results of the treatment will certainly motivate the patient to fight the addiction in the long run.

Facts

  • PCP production is most common in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.
  • When an individual completes a drug rehab program, follow-up treatment can be crucial to a person's success in achieving and maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.
  • Research indicates that past year LSD use rate among young adults was over 3% for males and slightly over 1% for females;
  • Opiates taken as a pill or tablet take longer to reach the brain.