Rapists take easy opportunities. They look for victims who appear accessible and unprotected. Take steps to keep yourself from being — or appearing to be — vulnerable.

The following are some precautions to take in order to avoid being a victim of date rape drugs:

• Be aware of drinks in punchbowls or other containers that can be easily “spiked” (when alcohol or another drug is added to a drink without permission).
• Don’t accept drinks from other people. If someone offers to get you a drink from a bar or at a party, go with the person to order your drink. Watch your drink as it is poured and carry it yourself. At a bar or club, watch your drink being prepared if possible At a bar or club, accept drinks only from the bartender, waiter, or waitress.
• Don’t leave your drink unattended.
• Don’t share or exchange drinks.
• Don’t take beverages from someone you do not know well and trust.
• Open your drink yourself. Keep control of it at all times.
• Don’t drink anything that smells or looks strange. Stop drinking any drink that tastes strange. Some date rape drugs may taste salty or bitter, but most are tasteless and odorless.
• Don’t drink more than you want to just because someone else wants you to. Don’t drink more than you want to so that someone else will like you or be impressed.
• Get help right away if you feel drunk and haven’t had any alcohol or if you feel like the effects of drinking alcohol are stronger than usual. Find a friend who can help you get to a safe place.
• If you hear someone “kidding” about date rape drugs, pay attention. That should be a warning to leave that party or individual.
• Look out for your friends, and ask them to look out for you. You can play a powerful role in helping other people stay safe. If a friend seems out of it, seems much too drunk for the amount of alcohol she drank, is acting out of character, or seems too drunk to stay safe in general, get her to a safe place