Venus51099
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New coasters on market target date rape drugs
By Lori Geary, Channel 2 Action News
Today's news from WSB-TV
• UGA: Cole didn't violate conduct code
• Water issue won't go away when Barnes leaves office, groups insist
• Capitol Lights five live trees
• Clayton County teacher charged with sex assault
• 51 alleged gang members indicted
• More local news
November 20, 2002 -- A new tool designed to help women combat the date rape drug is stirring up a lot of controversy.
They're called Drink Safe Coasters and they're supposed to help women determine if their drinks have been spiked with dangerous drugs. But critics say they're only giving women a false sense of security.
Nina Sisk was out with friends in northeast Atlanta on a Tuesday night. She says had two drinks and collapsed before leaving the bar.
"My muscles were twitching," she said. "It was like my whole body was having a spasm almost."
Her friends rushed her to the hospital and she couldn't believe what the doctors were telling her. "They looked at my blood pressure, my pulse," she said. "That's when he said it looks like someone gave you the date rape drug. He said there's ghb or ruffies."
And now there's new technology designed to help potential victims like Nina. The makers of Drink Safe Coasters say the test circles turn a dark blue in the presence of ghb or ketamine -- chemicals known to alter your state of mind.
The GBI uses a sophisticated piece of equipment to test for chemicals like ghb. It costs $300,000, so you can see why medical experts are a little skeptical of a 40-cent coaster.
"This particular test kits is only designed to pick up two drugs," said Robert Ollis, a GBI chemist, "neither of which is the most commonly seen date rape drug in the state of Georgia."
He adds that there are dozens of other chemicals on the streets that could be considered date rape drugs.
"I think it's playing on people's fears," said Dr. Jerry Thomas, an emergency room physician.
He works in the emergency room at Crawford Long Hospital and treats patients who OD'd on the so-called rave drugs. He says the biggest date rape drug is still considered alcohol.
"Quite frankly, you could make a much cheaper card that said if you're in a situation where you think you need a date rape drug test, stop right now and go home," said Dr. Thomas.
"You're putting your life on the line for a coaster that may or may not tell you whether you're in danger," said Dr. Ollis, the chemist.
But some say just the mere presence of the coasters in a bar may make someone think twice before spiking a drink, and for Nina Sisk that is more reassuring.
"Every time you go out, you're going to be taking a slight chance of that happening to you," she said. "You watch your drink and try these out, that's increasing your odds of having a safe drink."
Skeptics also say if you're using these in a bar where there's not a lot of light, it's going to be difficult to see any color change.
Authorities say if you're worried, drink bottled beverages and don't let them out of your sight.
Coverage You Can Count On:
Noon, 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. Tune in to Channel 2 Action News for coverage you can count on.
By Lori Geary, Channel 2 Action News
Today's news from WSB-TV
• UGA: Cole didn't violate conduct code
• Water issue won't go away when Barnes leaves office, groups insist
• Capitol Lights five live trees
• Clayton County teacher charged with sex assault
• 51 alleged gang members indicted
• More local news
November 20, 2002 -- A new tool designed to help women combat the date rape drug is stirring up a lot of controversy.
They're called Drink Safe Coasters and they're supposed to help women determine if their drinks have been spiked with dangerous drugs. But critics say they're only giving women a false sense of security.
Nina Sisk was out with friends in northeast Atlanta on a Tuesday night. She says had two drinks and collapsed before leaving the bar.
"My muscles were twitching," she said. "It was like my whole body was having a spasm almost."
Her friends rushed her to the hospital and she couldn't believe what the doctors were telling her. "They looked at my blood pressure, my pulse," she said. "That's when he said it looks like someone gave you the date rape drug. He said there's ghb or ruffies."
And now there's new technology designed to help potential victims like Nina. The makers of Drink Safe Coasters say the test circles turn a dark blue in the presence of ghb or ketamine -- chemicals known to alter your state of mind.
The GBI uses a sophisticated piece of equipment to test for chemicals like ghb. It costs $300,000, so you can see why medical experts are a little skeptical of a 40-cent coaster.
"This particular test kits is only designed to pick up two drugs," said Robert Ollis, a GBI chemist, "neither of which is the most commonly seen date rape drug in the state of Georgia."
He adds that there are dozens of other chemicals on the streets that could be considered date rape drugs.
"I think it's playing on people's fears," said Dr. Jerry Thomas, an emergency room physician.
He works in the emergency room at Crawford Long Hospital and treats patients who OD'd on the so-called rave drugs. He says the biggest date rape drug is still considered alcohol.
"Quite frankly, you could make a much cheaper card that said if you're in a situation where you think you need a date rape drug test, stop right now and go home," said Dr. Thomas.
"You're putting your life on the line for a coaster that may or may not tell you whether you're in danger," said Dr. Ollis, the chemist.
But some say just the mere presence of the coasters in a bar may make someone think twice before spiking a drink, and for Nina Sisk that is more reassuring.
"Every time you go out, you're going to be taking a slight chance of that happening to you," she said. "You watch your drink and try these out, that's increasing your odds of having a safe drink."
Skeptics also say if you're using these in a bar where there's not a lot of light, it's going to be difficult to see any color change.
Authorities say if you're worried, drink bottled beverages and don't let them out of your sight.
Coverage You Can Count On:
Noon, 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. Tune in to Channel 2 Action News for coverage you can count on.
Thanks Venus for posting this. I just pray that something like this works soon.
