New Date Rape Drug Causes Concern

by Ryan Dunn

Des Moines, Iowa (Jan. 31, 1997)-- A new "date-rape drug" called gamma hydroxy butyrate, or GHB, has invaded Iowa, prompting concern from the Des Moines Police Department and Drake's Dean of Students Jerry Price.

According to Assistant Pharmacy Professor Robert Soltis, GHB was first used in the United States as an anesthetic, and it affects the body much like alcohol. It has no taste, and some of the symptoms include dizziness, drowsiness and possible blackouts. If GHB is mixed with alcohol, a person might believe the symptoms are alcohol-related, not GHB-related.

Sgt. Dave Bowen of the Des Moines Police Department's narcotics division said that even though there has been no documented reports of GHB in Des Moines, it's likely that it could exist. Information and even ingredients are readily available on the Internet. Four people in Davenport, Iowa were hospitalized, after they fell into a coma-like state with GHB. This alarms Sgt. Bowen because of Davenport's proximity to Des Moines.

"This is not a safe drug," said Sandy Stoltenow, a worker in the police DCI lab. It is usually ingested in gram quantities, but the dosage is so exact that dangers like comas, blackouts and even death may occur.

"Hopefully students will pay more attention now that drugs like these exist," Dean Price said. Even though currently there have been no reports at Drake, Price and other faculty members are very concerned and will be monitoring the situation.

The Iowa House has also kept an eye on the developments regarding the use of "date-rape drugs" like GHB and rohypnol. Rep. Betty Grundberg introduced a bill that states, "Any sex act with the participant under the influence of a controlled substance is prohibited."

The main thing to remember is to be careful. Sgt. Bowen's advice is never leave a container unattended, try to find a friend if a problem arises, and finally, make good judgments.

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