“I had an experience where I went to a party and something was put into my drink … it ended up putting me in the hospital where I was induced into a coma for about a week,” said student Valerie Andreotti.
Andreotti’s story highlights the risk that college students take when they enjoy a night of partying and drinking.
Over 70,000 college students are victims of alcohol-related rape or sexual assault, according to the ABC News Web site.
However, a new product could help stem the tide of date rape.
The Drink Safe Coaster contains two test strips on it which can be used to check if a drink contains GHB and ketamine. A drop of a drink is placed on the coaster. If the spot changes color, then it may contain a date rape drug.
However, the test is not 100 percent accurate and can give false readings.
Yet, without many alternatives, students welcome the coasters.
“If they’re effective, it’s a good idea to have them. Better to be safe than sorry,” said student Ray Shelly.
The coasters are made by Drink Safe Technologies. Francisco Guerra, who created the coaster with help from dentist Brian Glover, decided to make such a product after seeing one of his friends fall victim to drug-related date rape. The coasters cost 40 cents each and the minimum order size is 125 coasters.
Since the coasters do not differ significantly in cost from a regular coaster, Drink Safe Technologies is looking into getting bars and liquor companies to sponsor the coasters. 7-Eleven stores may start carrying the coasters as well.
The YWCA has already given out hundreds of the coasters. The organization also is planning to distribute 5,000 coasters to San Jose State University students, with a focus on handing out the coasters to sororities on campus.
The drugs that the Drink Safe Coasters test for, GHB and ketamine, are potentially lethal. When these drugs are taken in high doses, they can be fatal.
Gammahydroxybutyrate, more commonly known as GHB, used to be sold in health food stores to enhance the performance of body builders. However, it was taken off the market because of extreme side effects. GHB is also known as “grievous bodily harm” and “liquid ecstasy.” Side effects of the drug include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, seizures, severe respiratory problems and coma. Overdosing can be fatal. GHB comes in liquid and powder form.
Ketamine is used in the medical field mostly on animals. Ketamine was popularized in the 1980s when it was realized that large dosages created a PCP (phencyclidine) effect. High dosage causes delirium, amnesia, impaired motor function, high blood pressure and potentially fatal respiratory problems.
One coaster can test two drinks. The test can be done discreetly or out front, by choice of the user.
Some students are worried that using the coasters could create an uncomfortable atmosphere at bars or clubs.
“At first it would feel weird, especially with someone I don’t know, but I guess to be safe it’s cool. Some people might take it offensively,” said student Eddie Rodriguez.
“If it was someone I don’t know I would have no problem being upfront about [using the coaster],” said student Ebru Akcasu, who was in agreement with her sister Mahan.
The coasters could be coming to De Anza Health Services.
“Around the holidays, I try to do a ‘drink safe’ theme,” said De Anza Health educator Mary-Jo Kane.
Kane said the coasters would work well as holiday gifts to give out to students.
“I don’t think we as a health office do enough about the issue of drinking,” said Kane.
Student Richard Thomas said that the coasters would be good for the holiday season.
“A lot of guys try to take advantage of women, especially around the holidays like New Year’s , so I think the coasters would be a great idea,” said Turner.
Date Rape Coasters have been developed to test drinks for GHB and Ketamine. The circles will change color if the drink tests positive for these drugs.