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us Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations think i was drugged • drink spiked • drugged at a bar • date rape drug • woke up confused • memory gap after party • blackout and scared • woke up with injuries • unsure if assaulted • sexual assault while intoxicated • drugged and assaulted • may have been raped • can’t remember what happened • felt unusually drunk • impaired and vulnerable • possible sexual assault • afraid something happened • rape kit questions • sane exam • safe exam • rainn hotline

What to do if…
you believe you were drugged and something sexual may have happened while you were impaired

Short answer

Get to a safe place and get medical care as soon as possible—preferably an emergency department that can connect you with a SANE/SAFE (sexual assault medical forensic exam) if you want that option.

Do not do these things

  • Do not push yourself to “figure it out” alone by retracing everything while you’re still in shock.
  • Do not confront or message the person you suspect right now (it can increase risk and complicate things).
  • Do not let anyone pressure you into calling police immediately if you’re not ready (rules and options can vary by state and age; if you’re in immediate danger, call 911).
  • Do not drive if you feel sedated, confused, or unsteady.
  • Do not assume it “doesn’t count” because alcohol or drugs were involved—being unable to consent is taken seriously.

What to do now

  1. Get to a safer pause. Go to a trusted friend’s place or a public, staffed location. If you feel in immediate danger, call 911.
  2. Get urgent medical help if you’re unwell, injured, or very drowsy/confused. Go to the nearest ER or call 911 for an ambulance if symptoms are severe.
  3. If you want that option, ask specifically for a sexual assault response team. At the ER, say: “I’m worried I was drugged and may have been sexually assaulted. Is a SANE/SAFE exam available?” You can also ask if a sexual assault advocate can come support you. You can accept medical care even if you decline an exam.
  4. If you want confidential guidance right now, contact RAINN (National Sexual Assault Hotline). They can help you find local services (including where a SAFE/SANE exam is available) and talk through options without forcing decisions.
  5. Capture what you know, briefly. In your phone notes: where you were, approximate times, what you drank, who you were with, symptoms, how you got home. Screenshot texts, app rides, or payments that might help you reconstruct timing later.
  6. Bring (or call) a trusted person to stay with you. Ask them to help with transportation, to take notes at the hospital, and to help you stay grounded.
  7. If you may want medical/forensic options later: if you can, avoid showering/changing clothes until you’ve spoken to the ER/SANE team—but do not delay urgent medical care to do this.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now whether to report to law enforcement.
  • You do not need to “prove” anything before getting care.
  • You do not need to contact the venue, the suspected person, or mutual friends today.
  • You do not need to make major decisions about relationships, school/work, or moving while you’re in the immediate aftermath.

Important reassurance

It’s common to feel confused, ashamed, numb, angry, or unsure—especially if memory is patchy. Not having a clear timeline does not make your experience less real, and it does not mean you did anything wrong.

Scope note

These are first steps only—focused on immediate safety, health, and keeping options open. Later steps (follow-up care, reporting, statements, longer-term support) can be taken gradually with specialist help.

Important note

This is general information, not medical or legal advice. If you are in immediate danger or seriously unwell, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

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