DATE RAPE DRUGS CONTINUE TO BE A LOCAL WORRY

The use of date rape drugs in Jasper continues to be a problem even in
the less busy winter season.

Jasper Community and Family Services reported to municipal council
last month that there were three reported incidents involving date
rape drugs.

"That seems like quite a high number for that month," said sexual
health nurse Diana Sieben. "Any incident is high, three is quite big."

Sieben said that it's impossible to calculate an accurate statistic on
the number of incidents of date rape drugs because many victims don't
report it.

"It's so hard to estimate because people don't know they've been
affected by it or they just wake up the next day and say why bother."

Sieben spoke to a nurse working in emergency last week who said that
there was recently a proven case of the use of date rape drugs in Jasper.

Victims of the drug often go to the emergency room complaining that
they feel sick, drowsy or overly drunk after having only a couple
drinks. And people who plant the drug in peoples' drinks often don't
always go after younger adults.

"I've seen anywhere between the ages of 18 and 40. There doesn't seem
to be an age group being targeted - it's pretty much anyone who's out
there drinking."

Community Outreach Worker Paul Schmidt agrees that the use of date
rape drugs doesn't leave with the summer tourism period.

"I wouldn't say it's specific to the season. It might be a little more
prevalent just because of the bars being busy in the summertime, but
percentage-wise, it stays the same," he said. "It's definitely out
there and people should be aware of it."

Date rape drugs, such as Rohypnol, can cause a loss of coordination,
blackouts, loss of memory, or an inability to protect oneself from an
attacker.

Anyone who experiences these symptoms, or if their drink looks, smells
or tastes different, should stop drinking and call the police. If any
of the suspected drug-laced drink is consumed, that person should seek
medical attention. Some of these drugs, when mixed with alcohol, may
cause death.

You can help protect yourself from date rape drugs by not drinking
anything that has not been opened or prepared in front of you, not
leaving your drink alone or with other people and by realizing you put
yourself at risk by accepting drinks from people.