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Sexual Assault Involving Psychoactive Substances ("Date-Rape Drugs")

Dr. Zohar Sa'ar, Director of the Department for Treatment of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, National Social Work Service, Ministry of Health.;  Ms. Tal Solomonika, Master of Social Work (M.S.W.), District social worker, responsible for domestic violence and sexual assault, Haifa District Health Bureau
2 June 2026

Use of psychoactive substances for the purpose of sexual harm is a criminal act with severe consequences. These substances, often known as “date rape drugs,” are commonly mixed into drinks or food without the victim’s knowledge or consent. Exposure can cause confusion, temporary paralysis, and memory loss, which increases vulnerability and makes it difficult to resist or understand what is happening.

Signs to recognize

It is important to recognize signs that may indicate exposure to these substances:

  • Sudden confusion or disorientation that does not match the amount of alcohol consumed.

  • Difficulty remembering parts of the event.

  • A feeling of paralysis and inability to respond during the incident.

If there is suspicion of harm, it is recommended to seek help as soon as possible at one of the acute centers for victims of sexual assault that operate 24/7 in hospitals. These centers provide medical care, evidence collection (with your consent only), and emotional support.

Risk reduction recommendations

There are several steps that can help reduce risk and keep you and those around you safe:

  • It is recommended to keep your drink within sight and avoid accepting drinks from another person unless you see them being prepared, and to stay alert even in familiar environments.

  • It is advisable to go out in a group and pay attention to the condition of friends.

  • Always remember that these substances can also be given by someone known to you, so it is important to remain alert in any social setting.

It is also important to remember that you are not alone. Support and assistance systems are available at all times and provide professional and sensitive care according to your needs.

Sexual assault using psychoactive substances, known as “date rape drugs,” is a concerning phenomenon with severe consequences. These substances, sometimes added to drinks or food without the victim’s knowledge, may lead to confusion, temporary paralysis, memory loss, and reduced ability to resist — conditions that increase vulnerability and reduce the ability to understand, respond, or resist assault.

Intentional use of psychoactive substances

Sexual assault using psychoactive substances occurs when substances that affect the central nervous system are intentionally used to exploit a person sexually. These substances may cause confusion, feelings of weakness, temporary paralysis, and even memory loss. In such a situation, a person's ability to understand what is happening, resist, or protect themselves is impaired. This phenomenon is especially dangerous due to the harm to dignity and personal sense of safety, as well as the difficulty in remembering the incident and recalling it in order to seek help or receive treatment.

Among the common psychoactive substances:

  • GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate): a colorless and odorless substance that may cause deep sleep and muscle paralysis, leaving the victim unable to resist.
  • Ketamine: a medical anesthetic that, in low doses, causes a feeling of detachment from reality, making it easier for the perpetrator to exploit the victim.
  • Benzodiazepines such as (Valium): sedative medications that cause confusion, weakness, and temporary paralysis, leaving the victim in a vulnerable state.

Recognizing common substances and their effects is an important first step in raising awareness and preventing dangerous situations. It is important to be aware of warning signs and know who to contact in case of suspicion or assault.

The wide-ranging effects of sexual assault

Sexual assault involving psychoactive substances often occurs in social settings such as parties, clubs, and private gatherings. These substances are given to the affected person without their knowledge, sometimes in environments where they feel safe. It is important to be aware of the full range of risks associated with this phenomenon:

Physical harm

May cause serious side effects, such as breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, nausea, temporary paralysis, and in some cases life-threatening risks. These consequences increase vulnerability, especially at moments when a person needs protection and support.

Psychological harm

In addition to physical effects, people who are affected may experience deep and long-lasting psychological impacts, such as emotional trauma, confusion, and a disrupted sense of safety. In many cases, this experience is accompanied by a loss of trust in close relationships and the surrounding social environment, feelings of helplessness, and a profound impact on self-worth and the ability to regain stability and return to normal routines.

Social and legal harm

Memory loss caused by psychoactive substances can make it difficult for the affected person to recall the details of the incident and present them in a way that supports legal proceedings. This may lead to feelings of helplessness and can also affect the ability to obtain assistance or pursue legal rights against the perpetrator.

Raising awareness of this phenomenon is an essential step toward preventing it and ensuring a safer and more protected environment in social settings. It is important to encourage open and respectful dialogue about the risks associated with this phenomenon, deepen understanding of the issue, and ensure full access to support and assistance services adapted to the needs of survivors.

Raising awareness of this phenomenon is a key step in preventing it and ensuring a safer and more protective environment in social settings. It is important to encourage open and respectful dialogue about the risks associated with this phenomenon, deepen understanding of it, and ensure full access to support and assistance services tailored to the needs of survivors.

Signs of a risky situation

It is important to remain alert and attentive to your body and surroundings, especially in social situations where psychoactive substances may be used. If you, or someone around you, experience one or more of the following symptoms, it may be a dangerous situation that requires immediate attention and support:

  • Sudden confusion or disorientation: A situation in which you have difficulty understanding what is happening around you or feel confused in a way that does not match the amount of alcohol or substances consumed.
  • Inability to remember events from the evening: If you wake up without being able to recall significant parts of what happened, you may have been exposed to substances that affect memory.
  • Feeling of paralysis or inability to respond: If you experienced a sensation of being unable to move or speak while still being awake or semi-conscious, you may have been given a substance without your knowledge.

If you recognize one or more of these signs, it is recommended to seek immediate medical help and inform a trusted person who can provide support and assistance. Prompt sharing and response can help prevent further harm and ensure the needed support is provided.

Examination process in case of suspected assault

In case of suspicion of use of psychoactive substances for sexual harm, it is recommended to seek medical care as soon as possible, and in particular to one of the acute centers for female and male victims of sexual assault, operating in several designated hospitals across the country. These centers are available 24/7 and are staffed by professional teams specializing in trauma-informed care.

What to expect when arriving at a medical center

  • The medical staff will collect initial information (medical history) about the event, feelings, and symptoms.
  • Vital signs will be measured and initial examinations will be performed, including blood and urine tests to detect psychoactive substances. It is important to conduct these tests within 24 hours of exposure to the substances.
  • A comprehensive medical examination will be performed to identify physical injuries.
  • If necessary, preventive treatment for sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy will be provided.
  • Evidence collection will be carried out only with your consent, and may include medical documentation, photographing injuries, and collecting biological samples. These may be used if you choose to file a police complaint, either at the acute center or at a later time.
  • The chain of evidence will be carefully maintained to ensure the integrity of the samples for investigative purposes.
  • A social worker will accompany you throughout your stay at the acute center, provide emotional support, explain the legal options available to you, and guide you toward further care.
  • It is important to emphasize: a police investigation will only be conducted with your consent.
  • Blood and urine samples will be sent to the toxicology laboratory at Sheba Medical Center for in-depth testing. The test results will be documented and followed up accordingly.
  • Hair testing (if the initial testing window has passed):
    • This test can detect exposure to psychoactive substances up to six months after the event.
    • It is important to avoid hair dyeing, chemical straightening, or cutting the hair short until the testing process is completed.

If you have any doubt, it is better to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. During the treatment process, you will receive a detailed explanation of each step, with close support throughout the entire procedure.

Safe behavior recommendations

There are several steps that can help reduce risks and strengthen your personal and environmental sense of safety. It is important to emphasize that even if you did not follow these guidelines, there is no justification for harm, and you bear no responsibility for what happened.
The following habits may help reduce risk and keep you safer in social situations:

  • Keep your drink with you: Make sure to keep your drink in your hand or within sight, and avoid leaving it unattended—even for a short time.
  • Stay alert even in familiar environments: In some cases, psychoactive substances may be placed in a drink by someone you know. Therefore, it is important to remain aware even when you are with people you trust.
  • Avoid accepting drinks without seeing them prepared: If someone offers you a drink, whether known or not, ask to see it being prepared or take it yourself.
  • Use drink safety tools: Today there are products such as drink covers designed to prevent the addition of psychoactive substances by covering your glass, as well as testing kits that allow you to sample and check whether the drink contains intoxicating substances.
  • Go out in groups rather than alone: When going out, it is recommended to stay with friends in a group to increase safety and mutual supervision. Be attentive to the condition of others in the group and notice if someone shows signs of confusion, instability, or disconnection from the environment. In such cases, it is important to immediately check on them and seek help if needed.
  • Listen to your instincts: If you feel that something is not right, trust your intuition and act accordingly—leave the situation, tell a friend, and seek professional help if necessary.

Important to remember

Important to remember

Maintaining awareness and cooperating with those around you can help prevent dangerous situations and create a sense of safety in social environments.

It is important to emphasize that sexual assault involving psychoactive substances is a complex and painful phenomenon, but you are not alone in dealing with it. There are ways to cope today with the help of a professional and supportive system. Medical centers in Israel provide a comprehensive response that includes medical, psychological, and legal care, designed to ensure a sense of safety, support, and tailored assistance for anyone who has experienced harm. Every request for help is a meaningful and valid step toward recovery, healing, and regaining control over life. Support systems are available at all times to accompany the process and provide the necessary assistance throughout the journey.

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