Even though we think we are aware of drink spiking, we are not. This is a growing problem and shows no signs of slowing down.


Monday 19 March 2007

We can't even accept cigarettes?

Source: www.roofie.com

Last year a new danger occured in the date-rape crime. Cigarettes soaked in embalming fluid emerged as a new form of date-rape drug.

I researched this and found some information from the Roofie Foundation:

"Embalming fluid is usually alcohol (methanol, ethyl alcohol or ethanol), formaldehyde, and solvents. Smoking this liquid on the filter tip or within the tobacco will vapourise the substance and the smoker inhales the mixture into the lungs. From here it is absorbed almost instantly and it passes straight to the brain. The effect is therefore almost instant. However the effect will not be long lasting.

Formaldehyde is one of the ‘aldehyde’ compounds that is responsible for the hangover after an alcohol binge. It smells pungent.

Sometimes, the compound used in the "fry" cigarettes is PCP, or Angel Dust. This drug adds an incredible level of danger to the user--it can kill. According to a 1998 study by the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, those who smoke "fry" cigarettes experience toxic psychosis, hallucinations, delusions, and sometimes, unconsciousness.

One scenario is the administering of a fry to cause giddiness or nausea, so the victim will accept a drink without thinking of the consequences. "

As I already mentioned, and as you guys at city uni know (having probably seen me puffing on a fag), I am a smoker and thus find this really scary. With drinks we are at least a bit wary but I don't think any smoker will ever think twice about accepting a cigarette - especially penniless students like me! I haven't seen any warnings about this and to me this seems to be a lot easier to administer drugs than through drinks.

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