Activated charcoal does not counteract the effects of date rape drugs, alcohol

Hyderabad: No, activated charcoal cannot neutralize the effects of date rape drugs and alcohol.

A post claiming that activated charcoal is a potent neutralizer against date rape drugs has gone viral on social media. The viral post advice women to carry activated charcoal to counteract the effects of date rape drugs.

It further says, “Should you feel like you aren’t yourself or out of place, drink one tablet & it will counteract most date rape drugs (sic).”

Is this legit? Let’s check.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the claim to be false.

First, what are 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 a few types of date rape drugs such as:

· GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) doctors sometimes prescribe to treat a sleep disorder called narcolepsy.

· Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) doctors sometimes use as anesthesia before surgery.

· Ketamine, doctors and veterinarians use it as anesthesia.

· Alcohol.

Does activated charcoal counteract date rape drugs?

Activated charcoal is a type of charcoal that can bind to other substances. It has a 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, according to Health Feedback.org, “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,”

It is evident that there is no scientific evidence to back the claim that activated charcoal is a potent anti-date rape drug remedy.