Rohypnol
Rohypnol, also referred to as flunitrazepam, is a drug that is used in the short-term treatment of insomnia. Its properties are similar to those of Valium. The drug, which is currently illegal in the United States, is both physically and psychologically addictive. According to the United States Department of Justice, teenagers and young adults aged between 13 and 30 are the principal abusers of Rohypnol. Rohypnol addiction is dangerous, and individuals suffering from addiction should seek immediate treatment.
Do you want to stop using Rohypnol? Call now for a referral to the best Rohypnol detox center in your area.
Signs of Rohypnol Abuse
Heroin and cocaine abusers often ingest Rohypnol because it boosts the high of heroin and modulates the effects of cocaine. The effects of flunitrazepam usually kick in within 30 minutes of ingesting it. If you suspect someone you know is abusing Rohypnol, look out for the following signs:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Nausea
- Extreme muscle relaxation
- Extreme drowsiness
- Vision problems
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
Treatment for Rohypnol Addiction
There are several treatment options available to Rohypnol users. These include:
- Drug and alcohol rehab centers
- 12-step programs
- Private treatment centers
- Ongoing therapy
Detoxification
Rohypnol detox is the first step of addiction treatment. It involves the removal of the drug from the user’s body. Detoxification is important because abrupt discontinuance of flunitrazepam can produce severe withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Hallucinations
- Shock
- Psychosis
- Convulsions and muscle spasms
- Short-term memory loss
- Seizures
- Suicidal thoughts
- Cardiovascular problems
- Abdominal pains
- Agitation
- Anxiety
Withdrawal symptoms may take between 12 hours and one week to appear, depending on how fast the individual metabolizes the drug. Another benefit of detoxification is that it reduces the chances of relapse after the completion of Rohypnol addiction treatment. Users of Rohypnol are advised not to discontinue its use abruptly. Discontinuation of flunitrazepam should only take place under the observation of a qualified physician.
What to Expect From a Detox Center
“When the patient first arrives at a detox center, a health care provider will conduct a thorough evaluation.”When the patient first arrives at a detox center, a health care provider will conduct a thorough evaluation. This helps the provider identify the substances currently circulating in the patient’s blood stream. The user may also be evaluated for potential co-occurring disorders, especially mental and behavioral disorders.
Once the evaluation is complete, the actual detoxification or stabilization process will begin.
Most flunitrazepam detox centers use the weaning method to ease patients off the drug. This simply means that patients are put under the care of a qualified medical professional who assists them to slowly cut back on the amount of flunitrazepam they ingest until they are independent of the drug.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is the second stage of Rohypnol addiction treatment. While detoxification deals with physical dependency and addiction to drugs, rehabilitation deals with the psychological aspects of drug addiction; both stages are equally important. Users should not attempt to skip the rehabilitation stage of drug addiction treatment, as this can increase the chances of relapse.
Rohypnol rehab and treatment centers offer comprehensive treatment programs that involve counseling, therapy, relapse prevention training and participation in support groups. These treatment programs are designed to address both physical and psychological issues related to drug addiction. In top rehab clinics and treatment centers, patients undergo therapy and counseling, enabling them to deal with dependency issues and identify what issues in their lives caused them to begin abusing drugs.
Relapse prevention training is a form of cognitive behavioral treatment that aims to induce lasting changes in addictive behavior. With this care, treatment centers are able to help prevent both initial and full-blown relapses. Some strategies used in Rohypnol addiction treatment include encouraging the patient to plan time for non-drug-related behavior and teaching patients how to recognize and avoid situations that may lead them to use drugs. Users of Rohypnol are unlikely to kick the habit if they keep encountering other users, dealers or even places associated with the habit. In a rehab or treatment center, such external factors are eliminated, enabling the user to permanently regain control of his or her life.
According to SAMHSA, in 1999, 540 people were admitted to emergency rooms with adverse symptoms relating to Rohypnol abuse. Rohypnol is easily abused because it is colorless and odorless and can easily be added to a person’s drink without the person’s knowledge. If you or someone you know is using Rohypnol, call now for a free referral to a private Rohypnol addiction treatment center.
Factoids
- Rohypnol is also referred to as a date rape drug because it has powerful sedative qualities and is an amnesiac.
- Street names for Rohypnol include “rophies,” “roofies,” “roach” and “rope.”
- According to the US Department of Justice, on the streets, Rohypnol is often sold for between $2 and $30.