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Drink drugging in Steamboat Springs
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A Safe Night Out in Steamboat Springs

Recent reports of drink drugging at local bars in Steamboat Springs has raised concerns for safety among the late night crowd. Venues like Schmiggity’s have come under attack as one location in particular where this occurs.

But when we look at the amount of training the Schmiggity’s staff has undergone, and the security measures put in place by the owners, it’s difficult to say they haven’t done everything in their power to prevent this from happening. Schmiggity’s is a long-time local and family-owned business that provides much of Steamboat’s best late night entertainment. It’s a shame that when bad people do bad things (i.e. drugging someone’s drink) it’s the bar owner who takes the brunt of negativity.

We feel Steamboat is better than this. Let’s stop pointing fingers and laying blame on those who legitimately care about customer safety. Instead, let’s work together to acknowledge that this is a problem not just in Steamboat, but nationwide. Let’s collectively aim to protect ourselves and fellow community members from having this happen. As a start, let’s begin by examining…

What are Roofies?

The commonly used slang “roofies” is derived from the drug Rohypnol. Rohypnol is a central nervous system depressant grouped in a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. The medical use for Rohypnol is to work as a sedative and help patients quell anxiety, support proper sleep, and relax their muscles. Adverse physical effects caused by ingestion of the drug include slurred speech, decreased reaction time, loss of coordination, dizziness, weakness, and impaired mental function. Rohypnol has also been shown to cause amnesia.

“Drink drugging” is the term used for when roofies are added to a person’s drink. This is most often done anonymously without the victim knowing. While we commonly think of “getting roofied” as being a problem that primarily affects women, it’s important to note that, while approximately twice as many women as men have reported drink drugging, it’s a problem that affects all sexes.

When we hear about someone getting roofied, the setting is usually a bar, but it can happen in any public environment. It might make going out for a night on the town seem a bit scary, but if you follow the advice below, you can still enjoy your night out, have a good time, and remain safe.

5 Tips to Avoid Being Roofied:

  1. Pour or buy your own drinks.
    If you’re at a party or any place with self-serve beverages, make sure you are the one pouring your drinks. Don’t trust the dashing stranger who offers to save you the time and effort of getting your drink. If you’re at a bar or restaurant, the same rules apply. Don’t let a stranger buy your drink, and when you buy one, monitor the bartender while they pour it.
  2. Take your drink with you everywhere. Yep… everywhere.
    Keeping your beverage with you at all times will help ensure that nobody can add a substance to your drink without you knowing. Keeping vigilant and never letting your drink out of your sight is one of the best ways to protect yourself from getting roofied.
  3. Drink with friends.
    While drinking with people you trust may not prevent you from getting roofied, strength in numbers can keep the situation from escalating. If you’re with a group of friends and do show signs of having been roofied, chances are they’ll get you home (or the emergency room) before any additional violation can occur.
  4. Cover your drink.
    While talking to someone at the bar or your table, keep a hand over your cup. If you’re standing and chatting, hold the cup from the top. Use a drink cover. Whatever method you choose, keep it covered at all times and make it nearly impossible for anything to be added to your drink.
  5. Know the signs of being roofied.
    Confusion, memory loss, and feeling more drunk than you should are common signs of ingesting roofies. You may lose consciousness, have difficulty speaking or walking, and experience nausea, vomiting, and a hangover that lasts longer than normal.

Please remember, being roofied can happen to anyone. And because many cases go unreported it’s hard to say exactly how often it occurs. But if you stay diligent, stay informed, and go out with a trusted friend or two, you’ll be able to have a good time without having to worry about this type of traumatizing experience.

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Do you or anyone you know need to talk to someone about a possible drink drugging incident in Steamboat Springs? Better Tomorrow, a local non-profit in support of victims, encourages anyone dealing with the effects of drink-drugging to reach out to the Advocates of Routt County. Their 24/7 Safe Line, which is confidential and run by trained Advocates staff and volunteers, can be reached at 970-879-8888.

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