|
The Salisbury University Police Department is issuing a cautionary notice to the campus community regarding the possible presence of alleged date rape drugs. SU's Student Health Services has received information concerning three recent incidents where date rape drugs or similar substances were slipped into the drinks of female students. This activity has occurred at off-campus parties and a local bar.
The exact drug involved in these incidents is unknown at this time. There are several different drugs that are commonly referred to as date rape drugs. The symptoms are generally the same and include loss of memory (blackout), sleepiness, unconsciousness, sweating, nausea, loss of coordination, trouble breathing, or body tremors. While these effects can be attributed to heavy alcohol use, the amount of alcohol consumed by the individual often is not consistent with the severity of the symptoms. Depending on the drug used and the dose, symptoms can appear within minutes to an hour. They can last for a few hours but for as much as 12 hours after administration. Unfortunately, these drugs are often used as a weapon to facilitate sexual assault.
If you elect to attend off-campus parties or patronize local bars, know where you are and who you are with. Keep an eye on your drink and your friends' drinks at all times; do not set them down to dance or go to the bathroom. Open all containers yourself. Don't accept drinks that are given to you. Don't drink from punch bowls or other large, common, open containers. Have a non-drinking friend with you. Stay with your friends and watch out for each other.
If you believe that you have consumed a drug-laced drink, blackout for no known reason, or suspect that you have been sexually assaulted, seek medical attention immediately and call the local police. For more information, contact University Police (410-543-6222) or Student Health Services (410-543-6262).
Chief Ed Lashley
University Police
|
