Things you should know

What happens when a drink is spiked?

When a drink is spiked it means that alcohol or drugs (illicit or prescription) have been added to the drink without the persons knowledge or approval. The substance can be added to any drink including soft drinks, juice, water or alcohol. The practice is illegal and potentially deadly to the person whose drink is spiked.

What substances are being used to spike drinks?

Alcohol is the most common. It is used either by adding it to a non alcoholic drink or by adding extra amounts to an alcoholic drink.

Prescription drugs are also frequently used including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, muscle relaxants and hypnotics-such as Serapax, Valium and Rohypnol. Rohypnol now has a reputation as being one of the most common prescription drugs used in drink spiking cases.

Illicit drugs such as Ecstacy, LSD, Fantasy, (also known as Liquid Ecstacy or GHB), Ketamine and other party drugs are known to be used. People appear high or revved up when they have been affected by a party drug. GHB is particularly nasty because it can cause serious breathing problems. People cannot sleep it off. They need to get medical assistance immediately.

What would happen to me if I drank a spiked drink?

There can be a range of effects from drink spiking depending on what has been used to spike your drink. These effects include vomiting, loss of consciousness, poor coordination and balance, slurred speech, muscle spasms, respiratory difficulties and in cases where a drug like GHB is mixed with alcohol, you could die. Also, your behaviour may be greatly affected including lowered inhibitions, losing control or acting more sexual and flirtatious.

What should I do if I think I have consumed a spiked drink?

If you think you have consumed a drink that has been spiked, alert someone you trust like a friend. If you are out alone or can’t reach your friends, alert a staff member at the club or pub you are at.

You should also get medical attention immediately and insist on providing urine and blood samples. If you have been spiked, the drugs don’t stay in your system for long, so give samples straight away.

Police and sexual health clinics also have access to facilities that can provide the level of testing required, and your samples can be preserved as evidence if you chose to have police investigate the matter.

If you feel you cannot speak to anyone initially, at least get a sample of your urine and store it in a clean sealable container in the fridge until you decide what you want to do.

What services are offered if I have been assaulted as a result of drink spiking?

If you have been physically or sexually assaulted as a result of drink spiking you can contact the police just to get some advice or to make a report. You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers. If you don’t want to speak to the police, you can contact your local sexual assault service for support and advice.

Why do people spike drinks?

People spike drinks for a number of reasons including wanting to sexually assault, rape or rob the person whose drink they have spiked. Sometimes the only motivation is to see what effect the drug will have on the person.

Some people have spiked their friends drinks to liven up a party. Unfortunately these people are unaware of the consequences of what they have done. It’s an offence to endanger someone’s life, and if the person has a serious reaction to the drug and dies, the person responsible could face a murder charge.

Who are the victims of drink spiking?

All types of people have become victims of drink spiking, however the majority of victims are young women aged between fifteen and thirty. It is also occurring more and more in the gay and lesbian community. 1 in 5 drink spiking victims are men!

Where does drink spiking happen?

Most cases of drink spiking happen at night clubs and pubs. However, there have also been incidents of drink spiking at private parties, school functions and restaurants.

What can I do to prevent my drink being spiked?

Make sure you don’t leave your drink unattended. If you need to go somewhere without your drink, make sure you get someone you trust to watch it until you get back.

Never let someone you don’t know buy you a drink.

When you buy a drink watch the person behind the bar pour it.

Buy drinks in bottles with lids. If you are going on the dance floor it can easily go in your bag.

Even though you can do things to prevent your drink being spiked you may still be at risk, so try and go out with other people you trust. Make sure those people know your phone or mobile number and if someone goes missing, make sure you look for them, as they may be in a vulnerable position and unable to protect themselves.

If someone behaves out of character or seems really out of it, don’t assume they are drunk. They may well have been spiked. Get them home or seek medical assistance immediately if required. Also, only let them leave with someone trustworthy. If you are not sure about them ask for photo identification and record their details.