You’ve probably heard of knockout drops before. It is the overarching term for different chemical substances. In most cases, drugs such as the party drug GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutric acid) and GBL (Gamma-Butrylacton) are used. These substances are commonly known as: Liquid Ecstasy, Bottle, Liquid X, Fantasy, Soap, and Gamma.
People easily become victims of sexualized violence or robberies under the influence of knockout drops. The effects of knockout drops already start after 10-20 minutes. The consumption of alcohol or medication increases the effects of knockout drops.
How can you tell that you have been given knockout drops?
Knockout drops can have short-term and long-term effects: Uninhibited behavior, confusion, difficulties of perception, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, headache, shortness of breath, loss of control over your own behavior, cardiovascular problems, impaired mobility, sleepiness to the point of a narcotic sleep, impaired consciousness, reduced memory up to sudden memory loss, panic and anxiety, difficulty concentrating, sleep disorders, appearing to have cried.
Detecting knockout drops in the blood or urine is very difficult, as the substances are quickly broken down in the body. If you are in a bar, disco or at a party and suspect that you have been administered knockout drops, act fast and get help immediately:
- Tell your friends or the personnel at the location.
- Call the police.
- Contact a hospital or an ambulance.
- Get help from the women’s emergency call or in a girls’ facility.
Here are some tips on how to protect yourself from knockout drops:
- Never leave your drink unattended.
- If you are not sure if someone put something in your drink, leave it.
- If you don’t know which drink is yours, get a new one.
- Do not accept an open beverage from people you do not know or do not trust.
- If feel unwell, nauseated or notice other symptoms, tell your friends and get help.
- Look out for each other during a night out! If a person has (apparently) had too much alcohol or is behaving strangely, take care of them and get them to safety.
- In you have a strange feeling in one location, take it seriously. It may be better to continue partying elsewhere.
You can find more information about knockout drops on the website of the women’s emergency call Mainz, via the link: https://www.frauennotruf-mainz.de/files/downloads/ko-tropfen-a5-flyer.pdf
Girls and women, who have been administered knockout drops often suffer from feelings of shame, helplessness, guilt, alienation and self-doubt (due to the memory loss). Based on their fear that nobody will believe them, many girls and women do not talk about their experiences.
If you know or fear that someone has given you or a friend of yours knockout drugs, please contact us. You receive anonymous and confidential consultation online.