Is alcohol a date rape drug?

Any drug that can affect judgment and behavior can put a person at risk for unwanted or risky sexual activity. Alcohol is one such drug. In fact, alcohol is the drug most commonly used to help commit sexual assault. In a survey of college students, 70% admit to having sexual activity primarily as a result of drinking or being under the influence of alcohol. Many of them would not have had sex if they had been sober. When a person drinks too much alcohol, it's harder to think clearly. It's harder to set limits and make good choices. It's harder to tell when a situation could be dangerous. It's harder to say "no" to sexual advances. It's harder to fight back if a sexual assault occurs. It's possible to black out and to have memory loss.

If a person is unconscious or incapacitated from alcohol, he or she cannot give consent to having sex. Therefore, if sexual contact occurs, it is sexual assault. Even if a victim of sexual assault drank alcohol or willingly took drugs, the victim is NOT at fault for being assaulted. You cannot "ask for it" or cause it to happen.