HUU advice on Drink Spiking 2004
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.
HUU 2004