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CRIME RISK PERSPECTIVES :ASSIGNMENT 1_QUESTION 2 : CMY2601
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- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Question 2 of Assignment 1 of Crime Risk Perspectives (CMY2601)
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CMY2601QUESTION 2 : DISCUSS THE DRUG AS A FORM OF ABUSE
15 POINTS
DEFINITION OF KEY CONCEPT REQUIRED
Rohypnol (flunitrazepam)
Introduction
Flunitrazepam, a substance known as Rohypnol (otherwise called "roofies"), is categorized under the
benzodiazepine class of drugs. Rohypnol is an illegal drug in the United States ,whereas in South Africa,
it is classed as a schedule 6 drug, which implies that a prescription is needed everytime the drug is
distributed. Rohypnol has been sugar-coated in order to make it difficult for illegal use as it cannot be
dissolved. Rohypnol is also a legally prescribed drug in more than 50 countries (Ovens & Zitha,
2011:185).
Definition of Rohypnol (flunitrazepam)
Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) is a central nervous system depressant as it is classed under benzodiazepines.
Benzodiazepines drugs are depressants because it slow’s the user’s heart rate, breathing and thought
process (Adams, 2007:5).
Uses for rohypnol
Ryhopnol is used for administering sedation, muscle relaxation, reduction of anxiety and prevention of
anxiety. It is also linked with partial amnesia and for treating severe insomnia. When administering
rohypnol to an individual, it takes effect after roughly about 15 to 20 minutes and the effect can last for
up to four to six hours. Rohypnol in a lot of cases is used to help an individual sexually assault another
since victims cannot remember what happened to them nor can the victim remember who the offender
was or the circumstances leading up to the assault. Examples of other benzodiazepines include Valium,
Librium, Xanax and Halcion (Ovens & Zitha, 2011:185).
Rohypnol as the “date-rape drug”
Spiking someone’s drink in a club is a common example of how abuser’s can utilize rohypnol. One
cannot calculate how many rape cases are linked with rohypnol in South Africa or the United States
however more rohypnol-facilitated rapes cases are being reported to crisis centres. More often than not
biological samples are taken too late because traces of the drug have already passed out of the victim’s
system or only lingering amounts remain in the body fluids (Ovens & Zitha, 2011:185).
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