Ethanol (alcohol) is the oldest known date rape drug. Date-rape often occurs only with alcohol and no other drugs. Alcohol is a CNS depressant that reduces one’s inhibitions (fears) to risky behaviors. Low doses of alcohol typically causes relaxation, whereas high doses are known to cause memory impairment (amnesia), sedation, loss of consciousness (black out), respiratory depression, and death. Click here for more information on alcohol - Psychology, Crime & Law Journal.