Prescription Opioids The following information on health risks is from the National Institute on Drug Abuse: Prescription opioids are effective for short-term pain relief when taken as directed, but they carry risks of misuse and addiction. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other organs, blocking pain signals and releasing dopamine, which reinforces drug use. Short-term effects include pain relief, relaxation, and euphoria, while side effects can include drowsiness, nausea, constipation, confusion, and slowed breathing. Opioid misuse or overdose can reduce oxygen to the brain (hypoxia), causing coma, permanent brain damage, or death. Withdrawal from opioids can begin within hours and include muscle pain, insomnia, diarrhea, cold flashes, leg movements, and strong cravings. In cases of overdose, calling 911 immediately is critical. Medical personnel can administer naloxone, a medication that quickly blocks opioid receptors and reverses overdose effects. Naloxone is available as an injection, auto-injector (EVZIO®), and nasal spray (NARCAN®). Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault Drugs The following information on health risks is from the Drug Enforcement Agency. There are three specific drugs that are commonly utilized in drug facilitated sexual assault: Rohypnol®: (flunitrazepam) is not approved in the United States but is prescribed as a sleep aid in some other countries. It usually comes as a tablet, taken orally or dissolved in a drink. Short- term effects include drowsiness, sedation, sleep, amnesia, impaired judgment and coordination, confusion, slurred speech, slowed breathing and heart rate, and, in some cases, aggression or excitability. When combined with alcohol, it can cause severe sedation, unconsciousness, dangerously slowed breathing and heart rate, and even death. Rohypnol® can remain in the body for 36– 72 hours, and its long-term health effects are not well understood. GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid): GHB is a depressant approved for treating narcolepsy and is also known as Goop, liquid ecstasy, or liquid X. It usually appears as a colorless liquid or white powder and is often ingested orally, sometimes with alcohol. Short-term effects include euphoria, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, memory loss, slowed heart rate and breathing, lowered body temperature, seizures, unconsciousness, coma, and death. Mixing GHB with alcohol increases the risk of nausea, respiratory problems, and severe depressant effects. GHB is eliminated from the body within 10–12 hours, and its long-term effects are not well understood. Ketamine: Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used in medicine and, under supervision, for treatment-resistant depression. Found as a liquid or white powder, it can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, or injected. Short-term effects include hallucinations, sedation, confusion, memory and attention impairment, high blood pressure, unconsciousness, and slowed breathing. Long-term use may lead to bladder and kidney damage, abdominal pain, depression, and memory problems. If someone suspects they or a friend ingested Rohypnol®, GHB, or ketamine, they should seek medical attention. A urine sample should be collected for toxicology testing. 16 — Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
