"Hi, can I get you a drink?" It sounds pretty simple and harmless. Most of the time this pick-up line is intended to be a friendly, "I'd-like-to-meet-you" icebreaker.

You might wonder why you should be cautious or concerned about a few words. Why would someone need to be careful in accepting a friendly gesture? Two words will answer this question: Rohypnol (roofies) and GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate). Rohypnol and GHB, illegal drugs, are being used to spike nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages. They impair individuals, making them vulnerable, and thus potentially leading to being taken advantage of or victimized.

Manufactured by Hoffman-LaRoche, Rohypnol is a very effective sedative-hypnotic drug. The effects of its use are loss of inhibitions, impaired judgment and motor skills, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, aggression, headaches and temporary amnesia (blackouts). The drug's effects can begin to take place in as little as 20 minutes, and last anywhere between six to eight or more hours depending upon the dosage.

Rohypnol, an aspirin-sized, white tablet, is colorless, odorless and tasteless when mixed with a beverage. Hoffman-LaRoche has developed an alternative tablet that changes a light-colored drink blue, a dark-colored drink cloudy and dissolves more slowly when placed in a drink. Unfortunately, there still are many older forms of the tablet being sold illegally.

A common side effect of Rohypnol is temporary amnesia. This has led to sexual assaults, including rapes. Not being able to remember what took place over a certain time span (four to 10 hours) makes the recalling and investigation of sexually-related or other offenses very difficult. In addition to the dangers of being sexually victimized, Rohypnol can lead to respiratory depression, coma and death.

GHB's effects, like Rohypnol, can be felt within 15 to 20 minutes and can include nausea, dizziness, confusion, heavy drowsiness and short-term amnesia. Loss of consciousness, stupor, seizures, decrease in heart rate, coma or death are possible with GHB. Predicting the effects of GHB are impossible because of a lack of dosage control. Most of it is "homemade," and the actual quality and dose are unknown. GHB is a clear liquid with a salty or plastic taste that easily can be disguised by mixing it with juices, alcohol or other liquids. GHB often is transported in baby food jars, single-dose vials, eye droppers or other types of liquid containers.

Becoming aware of the risks that the use of Rohypnol or GHB pose is vital, but it's only part of the process in decreasing your risks for consequences. It is important that you also take the following actions to reduce the risks associated with these drugs.

n Recognize Rohypnol/GHB by appearance. Recognizing the packaging and drugs decreases your chances of taking what someone might want you to believe to be a safe product.

n Never leave beverages (alcoholic or nonalcoholic) unattended. If you set your drink down and walk away, be sure not to consume it when you return. Be cautious about drinking alcoholic punches, such as "Hairy Buffalo," or pre-mixed, bottled alcoholic drinks.

n Be cautious about accepting drinks from people you don't know well. Only accept drinks that are unopened/poured by yourself. Watch the person in charge of the bar or keg.

n If choosing to drink alcoholic beverages, drink in moderation and with control. Low-risk drinking practices enable you to be more aware of your environment, help you assess any risks and reduce your likelihood of victimization.

n Watch your friends. If a friend appears to be intoxicated in a disproportionate amount of time, take her or him to a safe place immediately and get help.

For those who suspect they might have been sexually assaulted or victimized by Rohypnol or GHB, free testing to detect the presence of these drugs is available. Testing is available at O'Bleness Hospital, Sexual Assault Survivor Advocates (a rape crisis center), Ohio University's Student Health Services (Hudson) and campus and Athens police departments. Collection of a urine sample must take place as soon as possible. For detection purposes, no more than 72 hours can lapse after suspected ingestion of Rohypnol or GHB.

Student Health Services now offers sexual assault nurse exams (SANE) during its operating hours and on-call SANE services after hours. The on-call services can be reached by calling the OU Police Department.

With the spring weekends and all their festivities, please keep this information in mind. We want your celebrations to be positive, memorable and safe.

Dorgan and Woodruff are Assistant Directors of Health Education and Wellness. They can be reached at 233 Hudson Health Center or at 593-4742.