Roche, roach, roofies, rib, R2, roo-pies, rope, roban, mind eraser . . . these are slang names used for the rape drug Rohypnol (NOW, weekend edition, 06/07/97).
The Canadian Federation of Students circulated information about this drug, believed to be associated in numerous cases of rape in U.S and Canada. Its generic name is flunitrazepram and is related to the Valium family of drugs, but 10 times stronger.
"Colourless and odourless, it quickly dissolves into drinks and in about 10 minutes creates a drunk-like effect that lasts eight hours. It enhances the effects of alcohol, causes loss of inhibition, extreme sleepiness and amnesia," wrote Hazel Postma, a reporter for the British Columbia newspaper. Now, about the effects of Rohypnol.
Warnings that women need to be aware and careful should not be taken lightly.
There is another pill on the market that I believe women should be aware of also. This one is not classified a drug. In fact, there are claims of many health benefits.
This is a multi-level home based business selling pills with claims such as, "Revolutionary Sex Pill of the 90s". This business was launched in the USA and Canada on March 30, 1996. Claims on Internet web pages state numerous benefits, such as the main ingredient, green oats, travels through the body, frees up testosterone and stimulates sex centres in the brain.
"Not only does it work . . . women tell us that the arousal is incredible. In all of our studies, I've never heard any complaints," sample testimony states.
The information, testimonies and business opportunities are all presented on the Internet under the headings "sex in a bottle" or "great sex in a bottle". Using your favourite search engine will result in numerous pages indicating a great money making opportunity.
You can also read how this pill enhances one's sex life beyond dreams, with more orgasms and quick repeat arousals. Instructions are offered to make the pill work more quickly by sprinkling an opened capsule on the tongue. It is then absorbed much faster into the bloodstream. Also, results are said to be much faster if you take 2-4 capsules thirty minutes before sex.
One health claim is that it can reduce effects of PMS, cramps, bloating, nausea, depression, muscle pains, hot flashes, headaches, and irritability.
There is a suggestion that it is "not nice" to slip it into someone's drink.
So what are the implications? We are not talking about drugs in the legal sense. We are talking about a multi level marketing business with uplines and downlines - a home based business, a money-making opportunity.
Should we be concerned? There may be readers who believe this is a legitimate business, that it does have health benefits, and that its purpose is to only enhance self-performance.
It is my opinion that a pill advertised as "sex in a bottle" could be used against unsuspecting women. The first and best defense is to be informed - talk about it, spread the word, and above all, be very careful.
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