University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Communications Office
301 University Boulevard, Suite 136
Galveston, Texas 77555-0802
(409) 772-2618
(800) 228-1841
EMBARGO DATE: May 3, 1998
CONTACT: Allison Colling, Information Writer
UTMB DOCTOR FINDS WOMEN MAY USE DATE-RAPE DRUG FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS
Galveston, Texas Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have found that a growing number of young women may be taking Rohypnol, commonly known as the date-rape drug, to minimize depression and increase self-esteem.
A recent study suggests that sexually active women who suffer from depression and low self-esteem are at the highest risk for voluntary use of Rohypnol. Lead investigator Vaughn I. Rickert, Psy.D., associate professor in UTMB's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, surveyed more than 900 women in 1997 and 1998 from the Galveston/Houston area. The results indicate that nearly 6 percent of women between the ages of 14 and 26 have used the addictive substance. Sixty-nine of the women surveyed expressed an interest in trying Rohypnol within the next year.
Rickert said, "Specifically, those who intended to use this substance were two times more likely to report severe symptoms of depression and corresponding low self-esteem and 16 times more likely to report a limited ability to resist using this drug."
Rohypnol is a potent tranquilizer. Small, flavorless and easily dissolved, the illegal pill has, in a rash of incidents, been slipped into the beverages of unsuspecting young women at nightclubs and social events. Rohypnol's effectsæoften taking as little as 15 minutes to developæcan include extreme drowsiness, disorientation and paralysis, as well as short-term amnesia, making it an ideal aid for sexual assault.
When combined with alcohol or marijuana, Rohypnol provides a euphoric, drunken-like high. "These data help us better understand symptoms of depression, low self-esteem and the ability to resist using drugs," said Rickert.
Rickert will present an abstract based on this study at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Society in New Orleans, on Tuesday, May 3. Funded by the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, co-authors include UTMB's Constance M. Wiemann, Ph.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology; and Abbey B. Berenson, M.D., chief of pediatric and adolescent gynecology. If you would like to talk with Rickert the day of the meeting, contact the press room at (504) 670-8502 or 670-8503.
--UTMB--
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