“Buy yourselves charcoal activated tablets […] it will counteract most date rape drugs”
Date rape drugs are substances that compromise an individual’s ability to give consent and are associated with drug-facilitated sexual assault. Activated charcoal binds to some poisons and medical drugs. In medical settings, it is given in poisoning cases where gastrointestinal decontamination is recommended. However, it is unlikely that charcoal activated tablets will work for date rape drugs because the amount of charcoal in these tablets is too low and charcoal needs to be taken soon after ingestion of a substance to be effective. Furthermore, activated charcoal does not work against alcohol, the most common date rape drug. Individuals who have been given a date rape drug should seek medical attention rather than rely on an activated charcoal tablet.