Does alcohol or intoxication cause acquaintance rape?
No. However, alcohol, Rohypnol, and GHB are often a significant factor in acquaintance rape. They can be used by sexually aggressive perpetrators to disempower and disorient victims and to get victims to an isolated location. Intoxication compromises a person's judgement and ability to take care of her/himself and make choices to keep him/herself safe.
Rohypnol (roofies) is a very powerful illegal drug that can result in blackouts, memory loss, dizziness and disorientation as well as impaired motor skills and speech. Other possible results of ingesting rohypnol include breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, coma or death.
GHB (liquid G) is also a powerful synthetic drug that acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. It can cause the central nervous system to shut down, lead to loss of consciousness and could result in a coma or death.
References:
"Friends Raping Friends, Could It Happen To You?"
Project on the Status and Education of Women, Association of Colleges.
1818 R St. NW, Washington, DC 20009
Michigan State University Department of Public Safety.
National Drug Information Treatment and Referral Hotline. 1-800-662-4357
Office of Justice Assistance, State of Wisconsin, 1998 Uniform Crime Report.