Rohypnol Misuse in the United States

Abstract

Rohypnol, a potent sedative-hypnotic drug prescribed extensively throughout the world, is illicit in the United States. Recently, this drug has gained popularity among United States youths as a cheap means of intoxication and subsequently has become the focus of numerous criminal investigations. College men are alleged to slip Rohypnol tablets into unsuspecting women's drinks and then sexually abuse their sedated victims. Although law enforcement agencies and drug policy groups consider Rohypnol to be an “imminent problem,” little is actually known about patterns of misuse. Presented here is a brief overview of Rohypnol's contemporary appearance in the United States.

Key Words:

• Rohypnol misuse
• Flunitrazepam
• Youth drug use
• Drug policy