Comedian Bill Maher shared on his Club Random podcast with Jay Pharoah that he was once “roofied” at a bar more than 20 years ago, leading to memory gaps of a four-hour period in his night. Maher, who had a history of drinking heavily in his youth, recalled being at a bar in the year 2000 and then waking up at home without remembering what happened in between. Maher speculated that he was likely given GHB, a date rape drug, by someone who recognized him from television and wanted to harm him.
Maher recounted his experience of being drugged at a bar, where he went home with a woman but believes she did not have anything to do with the incident. Despite not experiencing any negative consequences, Maher was disturbed by the memory loss and speculated that he was targeted by someone who disliked him due to his television popularity. Maher’s theory is based on the assumption that a person across the bar saw him on TV, despised him, and decided to spike his drink with drugs. He acknowledged that this was merely a theory, but struggled to see another reason why he would have been drugged.
Research indicates that incidents of drugging occur more often than one might think, with a significant number of individuals reporting having been drugged while out drinking. A 2016 study involving over 6,000 students at three U.S. universities found that 7.8 percent reported being drugged, with some experiencing unwanted sexual touching or assault. Women were more likely to report being drugged compared to men, highlighting the importance of raising awareness about this issue and taking preventative measures to avoid becoming a victim.
Being drugged while drinking poses a serious risk, as it can be challenging to differentiate the effects of alcohol from those of a foreign substance. Signs to watch out for include extreme drowsiness, confusion, slurring, and loss of consciousness, which can indicate the presence of a drug in a person’s system. It is crucial for individuals to be vigilant when consuming alcohol in social settings and to prioritize their safety by keeping an eye on their drinks and being aware of potential risks associated with drugging.
Maher’s revelation sheds light on the prevalence of drugging incidents and the potential dangers associated with being targeted by those who choose to spike drinks with harmful substances. Maher’s theory about being singled out by someone who disliked him due to his public persona underscores the importance of recognizing the risks and taking precautions to prevent such incidents from occurring. By sharing his story, Maher brings attention to an issue that often goes unnoticed and emphasizes the need for increased awareness and vigilance in social settings where alcohol consumption is common. Taking steps to protect oneself and others can help reduce the likelihood of falling victim to such harmful and potentially dangerous practices.
