► Drink Spiking

Drink Spiking

What is Drink Spiking?

It is a drug placed into someone’s drink without their consent. It makes the victim incoherent and confused and is very similar to being extremely drunk. An extra shot of alcohol placed into someone’s drink is also drink spiking and can be just as dangerous. It is becoming more common and can happen to men and women.

Most occurrences of drink spiking happen to women, but 11% affect men. So listen up boys!

Why do people do that?!

Usually, when a woman’s drink is spiked, it is to facilitate a sexual assault (although this does happen to men too). If a man’s drink is spiked, it’s usually to allow the criminals to steal his wallet, phone etc.

How can I avoid this happening to me?

The people that spike drinks are very sneaky. Listen up; it is just as likely to be someone that you DO know as someone that you don’t know. The best advice is too NEVER put your drink down and ALWAYS look out for your mates. Never let your friend go off with someone she/he doesn’t know if she appears to be drunk and not quite with it.

I’m out and I think my friend’s drink has been spiked. Help!

Firstly, don’t panic. Stay with your friend and alert bar staff or security. If they do not help you, dial 999 to seek medical help. Don’t worry about causing a scene, your friend needs help.

If you start to feel dizzy, tired, disconnected, confused, nauseous then seek help. You may have been spiked. You will not get into trouble!

Stay with your friend
Police and ambulance may need to be called. Call 999 for an ambulance.
If ever in doubt, alert bar/security staff
Keep your drink with you at ALL times (even in the loo!)
Eyes and ears are everywhere. If you don’t watch your drink, someone else will.
Don’t forget to see support if it happens to you.

Remember: It is never your fault! It doesn’t matter how much you have drunk or who you trusted. If anything happens, seek support.

Advice and Support

Star
Surviving trauma after rape. A free support service for females and males
01924 298954

Roofie Foundation
An agency that deals with the issues surrounding sexual abuse through drink spiking
0800 7832980 Lines open between 9am and 9pm

Police non-emergencies
To report theft or any other incidents
0845 6060606 Lines open 24 hours

Emergency medical and/or police help
999

Student Union
Barbara Ratcliffe
Union adviser
01274 233300

Or contact any of the student union officers. Details of which are on this website.