Don’t take your eyes off the glass
Knockout drops at parties or events are a source of fear for parents, teenagers, and even older adults. The idea that strangers might slip substances into your drink when you’re not looking—substances that first make you “drunk” and then render you helpless—is a major cause for concern. But what exactly are knockout drops? How can you recognize them, and how can you protect yourself from them? And what should you do if you do become a victim of a knockout attack?
Question after question—and during a one-and-a-half-hour prevention session at Steinmühle School & Boarding School, the 10th-grade students had two knowledgeable advisors to turn to: Lara Baade and Lucie Lemberg from the association Frauennotruf Marburg e.V.
A Sudden Shift from Euphoria to Helplessness
It’s not just a single substance that can be used as a knockout agent. Around 150 different substances—some of which can be ordered online—are “suitable” for temporarily and deliberately removing specific individuals from their self-determined lives. These are substances—some of which are misused—that do not necessarily stand out visually or in terms of taste when added to a drink. For up to 30 minutes after consuming the drink, the person feels somewhat intoxicated and euphoric. After 20 to 30 minutes, however, the tipping point arrives—and it happens suddenly.
“Then comes the sedative phase,” the speakers report. Those affected are dazed, listless, experience impaired consciousness and a racing heart, and are overcome by vomiting. They are unable to defend themselves against active abuse or mistreatment—including rape—and have no strength. Depending on the substance and the individual’s physical condition, this phase lasts about 6 to 8 hours.
Consumption Simulated Using Special Glasses
“It depends on whether and what you’ve eaten, or whether you may have consumed alcohol beforehand or something similar,” explain the experts, who had the students complete an interactive obstacle course at the end of the field trip. Using special goggles, the activity simulated the effects of having previously consumed dangerous intoxicants—an experience designed to give students a rough idea of what it’s like to be a victim of knockout drops.
At celebrations of all kinds
Incidentally, the place where these insidious activities take place isn’t always a club or a bar. It can be private parties, a fair, or celebrations of all kinds where large groups of people usually gather. And, by the way, it isn’t necessarily a stranger who picks out the victim or victims on such occasions. Sometimes it’s someone from your circle of acquaintances who plans a cruel prank—or worse—in this way.
Contrary to popular belief, while the targets are usually female, they are not always so, and it is not uncommon for them to no longer be teenagers. “Older people can also become victims of knockout drops,” the speakers said.
The prevention session for the 10th-grade students at Steinmühle took place in individual classes or groups. Our photo was taken during the prevention session for the class taught by subject teacher Nicole Hohm.
