SOFT 2004 Meeting Abstracts - Society of Forensic Toxicologists
SOFT 2004 Meeting Abstracts - Society of Forensic Toxicologists
SOFT 2004 Meeting Abstracts - Society of Forensic Toxicologists
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B17 <br />
DFSA-REPORTED INCIDENTS IN THE UK AND THE MELLANBY EFFECT<br />
Mark Tyler* : Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, United Kingdom<br />
A study <strong>of</strong> 41 cases <strong>of</strong> drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) in 2003 from 2 separate areas <strong>of</strong> the United<br />
Kingdom has shown some interesting trends. The vast majority (38) <strong>of</strong> complainants were female, 28 were<br />
under 30 years <strong>of</strong> age, and 30 <strong>of</strong> the alleged incidents occurred between 21:00 hours and 03:00 hours.<br />
Perhaps more significantly, 35 <strong>of</strong> the cases were alcohol-related. Apart from drugs <strong>of</strong> abuse (mainly<br />
cannabis) found in 16 cases, none <strong>of</strong>the so-called DFSA drugs (Rohypnol, GHB, sedatives) were detected.<br />
These findings echo previously published data (EISohly et aI, 1999) indicating that alcohol is the common<br />
denominator in these cases.<br />
The intensity <strong>of</strong> the CNS effects <strong>of</strong> alcohol are proportional to the blood alcohol concentration (BAC), as<br />
described by Dubowski in 1997, but as noted by Mellanby in 1919, the effects are far more pronounced as<br />
the BAC is rising as compared to when the BAC is falling. In addition, as the rate <strong>of</strong>alcohol ingestion rises,<br />
the greater the degree <strong>of</strong> intoxication (Moskowitz et al 1977).<br />
The number <strong>of</strong> reported "DFSA" cases in the UK has risen dramatically over the past 5 to 10 years. During<br />
a similar period, the UK has seen a steep increase in the availability and popularity <strong>of</strong> 'alcopop' drinks<br />
(bottles <strong>of</strong> brightly coloured drinks typically containing vodka and lemonade or other fruit flavours,<br />
designed to appeal to younger drinkers), plus a wider variety and choice <strong>of</strong> strong beers, and larger<br />
measures <strong>of</strong> wine and spirits in public houses. There is now government concern and a rising awareness <strong>of</strong><br />
"binge-drinking" amongst young people in the UK. All <strong>of</strong> these factors may just be coincidence, but it<br />
would appear that changing drinking habits and greater CNS intoxication associated with a rapid BAC rise,<br />
might be responsible for the majority <strong>of</strong>these DFSA allegations.<br />
Key words: DFSA, alcohol, Mellanby<br />
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