Go ask Alice!: "Progesterex"

So it seems the info sent to me by my fellow AP poet, was a hoax. AFter some internet digging I found a whack of information about the hoax. This doesn't mean there aren't serious dangers regarding rape drugs such as Roofies, GHB, Ketamine, and Qualudes.

The following is a snip from Go Ask Alice.

Dear Readers,

Your letters are just a sample of the many "Progesterex" postings this week on the Net. Not included are other notes, referencing information passed on by the "hair stylist of a friend's sister-in-law," claiming they heard examples of where the "drug droppings" had occurred.

Much research was done on the matter; no evidence of the existence of such a drug was substantiated by veterinarians, pharmacists, and researchers at the following agencies and institutions:

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Cornell University, Equine and Farm Animal Hospital
• University of Saskatchewan, Western College of Veterinary Medicine
• University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School, New Bolton Center

Further, these experts state that the one equine medication taken orally that tangentially relates to the stated purpose of "Progesterex" is used to temporarily prevent mares from coming into heat (estrus).

No such incidents on Columbia's campus have been reported. Alice also checked with other universities and drug education organizations and found that none of them were familiar with the supposed drug and its alleged use.

As some of you pointed out in your questions, there are drugs, including Rohypnol and GHB, which have been used to sexually assault and/or burglarize victims. Information about these drugs, along with how to prevent such crimes, is available in the following Q&As:

• Rohypnol "Roofie" and Rape
• GHB/"Liquid Ecstasy"
• GHB/"Liquid Ecstasy" -- Date Rape Drug of Choice? [Reader's Response]

Go Ask Alice! and Columbia were not the only places on the "Progesterex" case this week. Many other educators and health care providers around the country received similar messages, were concerned about what they read, and took action to find out whether or not what they were reading and hearing was legitimate. This isn't the first time that seemingly-implausible situations have popped onto the scene, and it no doubt won't be the last; who's rectum will a gerbil find its way into tomorrow? Whose image, sense of security, and peace of mind will be sacrificed next year just for laughs? Yes, the volume of information and the speed at which it can travel 'round the world sometimes makes it more difficult to separate the truth from the crap. Some sound research from reputable resources is a good tool to have along to reach reality.

This current situation certainly seems like a hoax; its creator(s) might be reading this, laughing, and basking in his/her/their fifteen minutes of Internet fame. If so, there are some other things you might try when you next find yourself with some time on your hands: teach disadvantaged kids to read; volunteer at a soup kitchen; raise money for earthquake victims; or, just take a nap.