Source: Toronto Star (Canada)
Pubdate: Tuesday, 4 August 1998
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/ 
Author: Lisa Bassett, Young People's Press

TERRIFYING FINISH TO FRIENDLY NIGHT OUT

When I arrived with friends at a local Oshawa watering hole, I did not
know the experience would change my life.

I ordered a glass of white wine and turned to chat with some old pals
from high school. After 45 minutes of catching up on their lives, I
decided to get another drink to keep me cool on this hot summer night.

At this point, I was joined by two guys, about my age, who were
interested in what I was wearing and decided to use this to strike up
a conversation. I excused myself to go to the washroom. This was my
mistake.

When I returned, the two guys were still standing beside where I had
last left my drink. They smiled at me and kept on talking. I don't
really remember the topic of conversation.

After an hour had passed, I ordered another glass of wine, which I
picked up from the bar. My high school acquaintances left at this
point and I joined the friends I'd come with. My boyfriend had also
arrived to join me for a drink.

I was starting to feel an unusual alcohol buzz, unusual only because I
had only just started my third glass of wine. We sat down on the couch
to relax and I started feeling really drunk. My speech was slurred and
I felt drowsy.

The guys who were talking to me earlier paid me another visit. From
this point, I only remember bits and pieces of the evening. According
to my boyfriend, the guys would visit me whenever he was not around.

Finally my boyfriend, who thought I was just really drunk, persuaded
me to come and sit with him and his friends on the other side of the
room. I could barely walk and sat with him for only a short time
before announcing I had to leave.

On the way to the car I commented that I couldn't see and began making
remarks that were very out of character. Once home, I had to be helped
into the house, where I passed out.

The next morning, after more than eight hours of sleep, I tried to get
up but felt really nauseated. Since I did not remember what had
happened the previous night, I assumed I just had a bad hangover.

I tried to get out of bed but collapsed on the floor. I struggled to
my feet and stumbled down the hall toward the bathroom. I tried to
shower, but fell and banged my head against the wall.

At this point I decided to find my mom to tell her what had happened:
Someone had put something in my drink.

I went back to bed, upset and crying, scared that someone looked at me
and thought, ``I want to do more than just talk to her. I want to drug
her and rape her.''

I couldn't believe a night that began with old friends getting
together for a few drinks could end like this.

- ---
Checked-by: "Rich O'Grady"