More on the "date rape" myth

doi:10.1136/bmj.334.7593.560-c

BMJ 2007;334:560 (17 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.334.7593.560-c

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More on the "date rape" myth

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Doctors in Wales investigated all 75 patients (51 women) attendingan accident and emergency department over a year who claimedtheir drinks had been covertly contaminated with drugs (a practiceknown as "spiking"). They found no evidence on urine and bloodtesting of agents reputed to be used in this way—in particular,no trace of flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) or gamma-hydroxybutyrate(GHB).

Alcohol concentrations of >160 mg/dl were found in 65% ofthe 34 patients whose blood was analysed for the presence ofalcohol. Five samples showed recreational drugs—amphetamine,opiates, and cocaine. Despite 14 patients having made allegationsto the police, the authors conclude that the group's symptomswere the result of excess alcohol, not drinks spiked with centralnervous system depressants.

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