Which substance is sometimes referred to as the date rape drug?

The substance referred to as the date rape drug is gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). GHB is often associated with cases of sexual assault because of its ability to cause sedation, relaxation, and memory impairment. It can be easily mixed into drinks without detection, making it particularly concerning in social situations where consent is critical.

Understanding the context in which GHB is used is crucial; it is a central nervous system depressant that can significantly impair a person's ability to resist or recall events, which raises significant ethical and legal issues.

While alcohol can also be used inappropriately to incapacitate someone, it's not specifically labeled as a "date rape drug" in the same way GHB is. Xanax is a benzodiazepine that can contribute to sedation but is not infamously linked with such crimes. LSD, an hallucinogenic drug, does not have the same sedative properties and is not associated with facilitating sexual assault.

Therefore, GHB's unique characteristics as a sedative and its potential for misuse in facilitating sexual assault distinguish it as the substance recognized in this context.