Alcohol is number one date rape drug

  • Published
  • By Capt. Tina Baker
  • 354th Fighter Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Alcohol is the number one date rape drug. 

Not only is it easily accessible, but it's also very inexpensive and effective. In fact, most military sexual assault cases include alcohol with one or both parties involved. 

Here at Eielson, alcohol has played a factor in approximately 99 percent of all cases. For centuries, rapists have used alcohol to overcome their victims. Now a wide variety of substances to commit sexual assaults are available and used, many of which take effect in as little as 20 minutes. 

If someone believes he/she may have been drugged, he/she should seek immediate medical attention. Some of the symptoms may include dizziness, confusion, sudden and unexplained drowsiness, trouble with motor coordination, impaired judgment, loss of inhibition, or disproportionately inebriated in relation to the amount of alcohol consumed. 

Prevention Tips:
· Don't leave drinks/beverages unattended
· Don't accept open container drinks from anyone
· At business establishments only accept drinks from a server, waitress, or bartender
· Watch out for each other and never leave a party with someone you just met
· Don't drink anything that has an unusual taste or appearance (salty taste, excessive foam, or unexplained residue)