Despite the comfortable, friendly atmosphere of UD's social scene, the potential for disaster can be mixed into drinks. Rohypnol, commonly known as a "roofie," is a Class A drug used to treat severe insomnia and also serves as an anesthetic. While multiple other similar drugs exist, Rohypnol is popularly known across college campuses.

Even at UD it can make an appearance. Debra Monk, assistant dean of students for community standards and civility, has noticed "an increase in the number of suspicious cases" coming to her attention in conversations with students who are unable to remember an entire evening after having only one or two drinks.

She observes that if a handful of students are telling her personally about these experiences, there are likely many more who do not report similar experiences.

But, to Monk's knowledge, there have been no official reports of the drug being used in this manner. Nevertheless, Monk said that despite the great community of UD, like any place, "our community has a little bit of everything." This can include the potential for dangerous unknown drugs like Rohypnol.

Sophomore middle childhood education major Adam Caughhorn believes he experienced the effects of Rohypnol or a drug like it last year. Last December, he went with friends to a party in the Ghetto. Upon entering a house, he said, he and his male friend were offered beers while his female friend was offered a mixed drink.

She didn't like the taste of it so she gave it to him, he said. About 15 minutes after finishing the drink, Caughhorn said he began to feel dizzy, fatigued and sick. He attempted to return to Stuart but was unable to remember where it was located. He contacted friends who came and took him back to the dorm and, after seeing that his condition did not improve, called Public Safety.

Both his friends, as well as Public Safety, initially thought he was simply very drunk. Caughhorn said he was told later by friends he was acting as though he had consumed at least 10, beers but in fact had only had two and the mixed drink. His condition worsened and he was taken to the emergency room.

The existence of Rohypnol in the body is very difficult to prove. In Caughhorn's case the doctors performed blood work, but the presence of alcohol in his system made it too difficult to find traces of the drug.

Monk also explained that the allure of these types of drugs is that they are very hard to find. They often have no physical attributes like taste, smell or color. They also leave the body completely within 24 hours, often taking the victim's memory with it.

Thus, students need to take steps to ensure their safety from such substances. Monk noted that often first year students enjoying the free drinks available at student parties will not stop to question from where or whom the drinks come from. It is important to always be aware of one's beverage and not accept drinks that are already open or appear to be tampered with.

"Always make sure you can trust the people you're with," Caughhorn said. "Be familiar with your surroundings."

Monk also said students need to not be afraid to speak out to trained professionals if they fear they have been the victim of a drug like Rohypnol.

"Let someone know so we can help you figure out what has happened," she said.

There are resources for students in the Counseling Center as well as the Health Center, both of which are located in Gosiger Hall. If a student is wary of discussing a possible drug situation due to illegal behavior on their part, such as underage drinking, the Health Center can be a safe place to talk because doctor-patient conversations are privileged.

Ultimately, students themselves bare responsibility to maintain their safety. While Caughhorn completely recovered from his experience, he said it served as a reality check.

"No matter where you go, something can still happen," he said. "Even if it is UD."

For more information or if you feel like you have been the victim of a date rape drug, contact Debra Monk in Gosiger Hall or at Debra.Monk@notes.udayton.edu.