Shelley Childers
schilders@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News

Odessa, TX - “That's an assault that is against the soul, the very being of a person," Renee Morris, the Assistant Executive Dir. for the Crisis Center in Odessa.

Date rape drugs are a threat every night at clubs and bars across the country, but now a simple piece of paper could protect you from the unthinkable.

In Midland the number of rapes are down from 2008 to 2009, and in Odessa the number has stayed the same, but advocates hope a new tool will bring those numbers down even more and it's found right inside local bars and restaurants.

The Crisis Center reports that one in six women, and one in 33 men will be assaulted, and tonight they are trying to end that. Walking into Graham Central Station tonight, each table of the is supplied with a coaster, but it isn't just an ordinary coaster.

"It is very prevalent in Ector Co., in the world, you can make it yourself," Morris said.

GHB and Rohypnol, the date rape drugs are odorless, tasteless and can put you to sleep, and according to The Crisis Center it's most commonly used at bars and restaurants.

"We want our clientele to feel safe, especially the female clientele so it's important that we have something available to them," said Glenn Starnes, the Regional Manager for Graham Central Station.

What they have available is a coaster, that doubles up as a testing strip to detect date rape drugs.

Supplied by The Crisis Center free of charge, Graham Central Station is the only business in Odessa that uses them year-round.

"It's very non-invasive for the clientele, they can use it very discretely. Just take a stir stick, take a sample of the drink, drop it on there and check it out," Starnes said.

Within seconds you'll have an answer, if the color doesn't change, the drink is good, but if it turns dark blue, a date rape drug has been detected.

While it's not a very used tool, Morris says it's worth it if the coaster helps just one person.

"I would like to believe it has impacted somebody's life in a positive way."

The coasters do warn on the back that blue or green colored drinks may cause a false reading and to not rely on the coaster for wine or beverages containing milk, cream, contain tonic water or fruit juices.

The Crisis Center will supply these to anyone who requests them.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, there is help and there is hope.
Please go to the Angels D & A Referral Centre  and call your nearest help line

or contact any of the Angels Treatment & Aftercare Team. 

“We are always ready to help!”