CMY2601 – Assignment 1
Please note that below are guidelines of how you should approach this assignment.
References have also been provided.
Question 1
Rohypnol, commonly known as the "date rape drug," is a potent sedative and
hypnotic drug that is part of the benzodiazepine class of drugs. The drug has been
widely abused for its ability to induce a state of euphoria, relaxation, and sedation.
However, due to its potent sedative properties, it has been used as a tool for sexual
assault, especially in South Africa, where the drug is widely available and accessible.
The effects of Rohypnol are similar to those of other benzodiazepines, such as
Valium and Xanax, but the drug is more potent and has a longer half-life. The drug's
primary mode of action is to enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid
(GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits the activity of the central nervous system
(CNS). This results in the sedative, hypnotic, and anxiolytic effects of the drug, which
can be useful for treating conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
However, the same properties that make Rohypnol a useful medication for some
conditions are also what make it an attractive tool for sexual predators. The drug's
sedative and hypnotic properties can induce a state of unconsciousness, amnesia,