A post claiming activated charcoal to be a potent neutralizer against date rape drugs has gone viral on social media.
The viral post advices that women must carry activated charcoal with them to counteract the effects of any date rape drugs.
It further says, ‘Should you feel weird or out of place, drink one tablet and they will counteract most date rape drugs.’
Is this legit? Let’s fact check.
NewsMeter found the claim to be false.
First of all, what is date rape drugs?
According to WebMD, ‘Date-rape drugs are substances that make it easier for someone to rape or sexually assault another person. They include alcohol and some medications. The person who’s attacked might become confused, have trouble defending themselves, or not be able to remember what happened later.’
It further explains few types of these date rape drugs such as-
· GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) doctors sometimes prescribe it to treat a sleep disorder called narcolepsy.
· Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) doctors sometimes use it as anaesthesia before surgery.
· Ketamine, doctors and veterinarians use it as anaesthesia.
· Alcohol.
Do activated charcoal counteracts against date rape drugs?
Activated charcoal is a type of charcoal that can bind to other substances. It has large number of tiny holes on its surface which increases the area that substances can stick to.
It is mostly used for the treatment of patients who have ingested poison.
Talking about alcohol, it does not get affected by charcoal tablets.
Moreover, ‘Activated charcoal is used in medical settings when gastrointestinal decontamination is recommended. However, the dose of activated charcoal in tablets is too low to have an impact on date rape drugs. Activated charcoal would also need to be taken soon after the date rape drug is ingested to have an effect, because many of these drugs are rapidly absorbed by the body’, says Health Feedback.org.
Hence, it is evident that there is no scientific evidence to back activated charcoal as a potent anti date rape drug remedy.
