Rohypnol Use and Withdrawal Symptoms

The drug Rohypnol is not able to be manufactured or sole in the United States legally. This drug is most similar to Valium, yet much more potent. It is used most commonly as a sedative, muscle relaxant or to treat cases of severe anxiety. This drug is most commonly abused by those who wish to intensify their intoxicated state or enhance the effects of other drugs such as heroin. The more a person uses Rohypnol the more risk they take of developing an addiction and therefore suffering withdrawal symptoms.

Understanding Rohypnol

Rohypnol is a type of central nervous system depressant and is commonly called the "forget-me-not" pill. Due to its effects on the nervous system it can induce sleep and even create a state of amnesia. As a result of these side effects it is commonly seen in collaboration with sexual crimes.

This drug is both tasteless and odorless making it virtually undetectable when dissolved into liquids. When used, it is most commonly snorted or dissolved and then injected into the bloodstream. When combined with the effects of alcohol it can impair a person's abilities for up to 12 hours. Additionally, with continued, regular use it will spur addiction and as a result withdrawal symptoms when the user discontinues use of the drug.

As a person continues to use Rohypnol their body will become dependent on it for normal function. The effects of this drug can actually be felt within the body in as little as 20 minutes. The affect it gives to chronic uses is similar to that of alcohol or other depressants. When in use the person will experience:

• Muscle relaxation, which can lead to difficulty walking and muscle pain
• Drowsiness, which may cause slurred speech and confusion
• Impaired judgement
• Hallucinations

With continued use a person becomes more and more dependent on the drug, which increases the withdrawal symptoms that will occur when they discontinue use of the drug.

Rohypnol Withdrawal

When a person experiences withdrawal from a drug they are having symptoms caused by a sudden or abrupt stop or reduction of the drug they have been taking. When a person discontinues use of the Rohypnol drug they may notice symptoms that are extremely similar to that of alcohol withdrawal. These symptoms may include:

• Convulsions and tremors
• Hallucinations
• Uncharacteristic aggression
• Headache
• Muscle pain and tingling of extremities
• Shock
• Cardiovascular distress

Additionally, if a person has been a long time user of Rohypnol they can experience seizures for up to a week after they have stopped using the drug. In most cases if a person has an addiction or dependency to Rohypnol they should seek professional help to minimize the withdrawal symptoms that occur.

Getting Help with Withdrawal from the Rohypnol Drug

The withdrawal symptoms that occur when discontinuing use of Rohypnol can be severe and may cause people to have relapses or never quit. As a result, anyone with an addiction to this drug should work with a professional, such as a doctor or rehabilitation facility to successfully quit the drug. In many cases the user may need to actually go to a rehabilitation facility where the environment is monitored to help with a successful recovery from Rohypnol addiction.

Common Slang Names for Rohypnol

Anyone who suffers from an addiction to Rohypnol may know it by one of its common slang names. Some of these include: Circles, La Rocha, Rib, Roofies, Wolfies and Lunch Money Drug. It is most commonly abused by adolescents and young adults and typically found in scenes of parties or gang related activities. Although the drug is not legal in the US it is brought in through Mexico and Latin America and sold illegally on the streets.

Understanding the drug Rohypnol can help a person determine if a friend or loved one has an addiction or dependency on the drug. Additionally, they should seek help right away as prolonged use can cause many medical problems and in extreme cases death. Because of its ability to induce states of amnesia the drug is one of the leaders used in sexual crimes and one of the main reasons it is illegal in the US. The withdrawal symptoms of Rohypnol can be extreme, however a managed or supervised care facility may help to produce a successful recovery for the addicted person.