ROHYPNOL

Rohypnol also known as Flunitrazepam is a benzodiazepine that is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia and as a sedative hypnotic and preanesthetic medication. It has physiological effects similar to diazepam (commonly known by its trade name, Valium®), although Rohypnol is approximately 10 times more potent. Rohypnol neither is manufactured nor sold legally in the United States. It is produced and sold legally by prescription in Europe and Latin America. The drug usually is smuggled into and transported within the United States through the mail or delivery services.

Flunitrazepam-marketed under the trade name Rohypnol-is manufactured worldwide, particularly in Europe and Latin America, in 1- and 2-milligram tablets by Hoffman-La Roche, Inc., a large pharmaceutical manufacturer. However, the drug neither is manufactured nor approved for medical use in the United States.

Rohypnol is typically sold in its original bubble packing, conveying a sense of legality and security in its use. The perceived safety of the drug along with the trend of use in combination with other substances, creates the possibility of Rohypnol becoming a gateway to harder drugs. Rohypnol is ingested orally, frequently in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs, including heroin.

Adverse effects associated with the use of Rohypnol include decreased blood pressure, memory impairment, drowsiness, visual disturbances, dizziness, confusion, gastrointestinal disturbances, and urinary retention. Paradoxically, although the drug is classified as a depressant, Rohypnol can induce excitability or aggressive behavior in some users.

Some nicknames used for Rohypnol are: rophy, circles, Mexican valium, rib, roach-2, roofies, roopies, rope, ropies, ruffies. Being under the influence of the drug is referred to as being "roached out." In Texas, Rohypnol is called "R-2," or "roaches." Lethal overdose is unlikely but possible. However, continued use will result in physical dependence.

In the United States, Rohypnol is used widely in Texas where it is popular among high school students. Rohypnol is reported to be readily available in the Miami area, and epidemiologists from that area have stated that it is South Florida's fastest growing drug problem. Additional reports from Miami indicate that the largest and fastest growing groups of Rohypnol users are high school students who take the drug with alcohol or use it after cocaine ingestion. Two common misperceptions about Rohypnol may explain the drug's popularity among young people: first, many erroneously believe that the drug is unadulterated-and therefore "safe"-because it comes in pre sealed bubble packs; second, many mistakenly think its use cannot be detected by urinalysis testing.

Illicit use of Rohypnol originated in Europe in the 1970s and has increased worldwide since then. However, the substance did not appear in the United States until the early 1990s. In 1992, a South Florida hotline began receiving calls reporting occasional to chronic abuse of the drug. Around the same time, the drug appeared in Texas as well. Today, use of Rohypnol is one of the fastest growing drug problems in both areas. In addition, the drug appears to be spreading across the United States. As of April 1995, the Drug Enforcement Administration had documented over 1,000 cases of Rohypnol possession across 13 states.

Rohypnol use by youths of all socioeconomic status has been reported. The inexpensive cost, ranging from $2 to $3 per pill, attracts young users. High school students report use of the drug as a cheap drunk and as a cure for alcohol hangovers. Typically, however, Rohypnol is used along with alcohol and other drugs. College students using Rohypnol report mixing it with beer to enhance the feeling of drunkenness. It has also been reported to be used in combination with marijuana and cocaine, as well as heroin. Rohypnol use appears to be spreading in the United States among high school and college youth. In some areas, it is associated with gangs, and it is becoming known as a club drug.

W hen an individual with a drug or alcohol abuse problem has made a conscious decision to stop abusing drugs or alcohol, but has been unsuccessful in all attempts to do so on their own, it may become necessary to solicit help from a drug treatment or alcohol treatment professional. The importance of choosing the appropriate type of treatment for a individuals specific situation should not be under estimated.

T he initial step of choosing a treatment program should ensure that the most effective treatment method is selected which best fit the individuals specific treatment needs. If an incorrect evaluation is made when selecting a treatment modality the individual chances for failure increase significantly.

D rug treatment and alcohol treatment should address the specific needs of each individual. There are varying degrees of abuse. Some individuals may have a history of many prior attempts to end their abuse patterns and failed. For those who fall into this category, in patient residential treatment may prove fruitful. Research studies show that in patient treatment is the most successful modality for individuals with multiple unsuccessful attempts at sobriety through out patient treatment .

O n the other hand, a individual may only have a recent history of abuse and wishes to correct the situation, but may encounter difficulty in doing so on their own. For such an individual out patient treatment or counseling would most likely be the appropriate initial approach in addressing their situation.

I ndividuals with years of heavy drug or alcohol abuse may have a more difficult time when it comes to ending their abuse patterns. The difficulty may lie in fact that their lifestyle has consisted of drug or alcohol use for such an extended period of time that it may be difficult to imagine themselves living without substances. This type of individual may greatly benefit from attending a long term inpatient drug ang alcohol rehabilitation program. This type of treatment generally involves a peroid of three to six months so as to provide the individual with an extensive change of environment as well as care twenty-four hours a day. Research has proven that this may be the most successful type of treatment for those who have a history of heavy substance abuse spanning over many years.

As you can see, it is important that you make an educated decision when choosing a drug treatment or alcohol treatment method. For many recovery has become a revolving door of treatment center after treatment center. This need not be the case. Drug & alcohol recovery is possible. You can do it and we can help! Contact us for a free confidential consultation and referral. We have over thirty years experience specializing in drug treatment and alcohol treatment. Get on the road to recovery today! Our referral network consists of over 3,000 of the best drug treatment and alcohol treatment centers in the United States. Drug Abuse Treatment.org is part of a non-profit social betterment organization. All referral services are free of charge. Call Today!

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