General perspective of flunitracepam (Rohypnol) abuse in a sample of drug users of Mexico City

The use of flunitracepam (Rohypnol) has been recently spread among the popu lation; several research information sources demonstrate this fact: epidemi ological studies, treatment center reports and, seizure statistics. Likewis e, it's extensive popularity among certain groups, mainly of adolescents, h as become a great health risk due to it's indiscriminate use. The main purp ose of this paper is to present some qualitative research data about the co ntext in which this medication is used. The information was obtained from i ndividual interviews and focus group sessions with 38 drug users. Results s how that adolescents are important consumers, not only for experimenting, b ut also, and in a more accentuated manner, for customary use. A great range of delinquent behaviors result from this addiction, the participation in s treet fights, rubbery, rape and illicit drug trafficking. Another important finding was the great demand of this drug, which is illegally obtained by stealing and buying prescription books, assaulting drug stores and buying i t at clandestine laboratories, among others. Finally, another important fin ding is the generalized perception these drug users have about this drug. T hey consider that drugs of medical use are less harmful than cocaine, heroi ne or design drugs.