Getting reminders that there are predatory men out there willing to spike your drink with date-rape drugs kinda keeps me from ever wanting to leave my apartment again, but at least for the brave bar flies out there, there are now coasters that can be used to detect two "popular" date-rape drugs, GHB (aka "Roofies") and ketamine.
Some bars are willing to fork over the 40 cents-per-coaster to hand these out to women so that they feel safe enough to drink at their bars. It's pretty shocking that this is common enough that a whole industry has been built around it. In case you didn't know, there's also the lip gloss that detects date-rape drugs. Sigh. To watch a news clip about a reserve law enforcement officer who was busted by a bartender using one of these coasters, read more.
Chilli Pepper
I've actually never heard of such items, but I guess I don't frequent the bar/club scene. It is common, I know people who have had something slipped in their drinks. These would be great products to have on hand.
1I had something slipped in my drink once when I was 21. I had quite a tollerance for alcohol since I had started drinking my first year in college, so by 21 I could drink a lot. My second drink of the night almost knocked me out. I couldn't keep even water down for the next 24 hours. The only person I can assume gave it to me was the bartender, since I never let the drink out of my sight.
Personally, I think it's a great idea. It's dangerous enough to be out there as a woman, let alone with a drug that can so easily make anyone a predator.
Luckily I have gotten older and wiser, and I'm not much one for drinking anymore, so I wouldn't be using these, but I'd like to know that when I have children, there are a few less things I have to worry about when they go out.
2Actually, coasters like these have been around since at least 2002.
3Thank God they have found something to address this issue at the 'source' - the coaster.... How innovative.
I had a friend who succumbed to the unknown plop of "roofies" in her drink, and she is STILL in therapy after what happened to her. It was videotaped unfortunately..... And in a long ongoing litigation process because of it. So horrible..
*The bottom line of this article: Make sure you keep your drink on a coaster.
*And, Please note ladies:
Never leave your drink unattended. If you want to get up and dance - take you drink with you if able OR finish your drink and buy a fresh drink after.
NEVER let a man go up and 'buy' you a drink - go with him...
Never accept a drink that the barkeep or server gives you and says "This is courtesy of the 'lady' or 'gentleman' at the bar.., etc.
Stay safe!
4These have been around for a while. There was an episode of Veronica Mars about them a few years ago.
5brilliant idea, can't believe I have never heard of them before.
6Science is so nifty. I have to admit, I should be more careful of what I'm drinking. I never let my drink out of my sight and I'm always with friends, but know I could do a better job of being safe.
7Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.