What is Drink Spiking?
Drink spiking is the act of adding alcohol or drugs to someone's drink without their knowledge or permission. Contrary to a common misconception, spiking isn't only about slipping illicit drugs into alcoholic drinks. It can also involve adding extra alcohol to an existing drink, mixing substances, or tampering with non-alcoholic beverages. Spiking can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, and the motivation is often linked to other crimes like sexual assault or theft. Many people may think spiking is a rare occurrence, but research shows it is more prevalent than many believe, particularly at social venues like bars, clubs, and parties.
Proactive Prevention Strategies
Staying vigilant and taking simple, proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk of a spiking incident. Awareness is the first line of defense. By understanding the common risks, you can develop habits that protect you and your friends.
Before You Go Out
- Plan your night with trusted friends: Make sure you go out in a group and commit to looking out for each other throughout the night.
- Arrange transportation beforehand: Plan a safe ride home before you start drinking, whether it's a designated driver, a pre-booked taxi, or a ride-sharing service.
- Inform someone of your plans: Let a friend or family member who isn’t with you know where you are going and when you expect to be home. This is especially important for those in high-risk age groups.
During Your Night Out
- Watch your drink being prepared: Always buy your own drinks and watch the bartender or server pour them. Never accept an open drink from a stranger.
- Choose canned or bottled drinks with seals: This minimizes the risk of tampering. Open cans and bottles yourself and be wary of common sources like punch bowls or kegs.
- Use a drink cover: Innovative products like bottle tops and universal straw lids are available to physically protect your drink from being tampered with.
- Never leave your drink unattended: This is a golden rule for a reason. If you need to use the restroom or step away, either take your drink with you or discard it. If a trusted friend offers to watch it, ensure they remain vigilant.
- Stay alert for suspicious behavior: If you see someone acting strangely around your drink or a friend's, alert venue staff or security immediately. Bystander intervention is a powerful tool for prevention.
Comparison of Prevention Tactics
| Prevention Tactic | Before Going Out | During the Event |
|---|---|---|
| Social Circle | Plan to go out with a group of trusted friends. | Stick together and watch out for each other. |
| Drink Selection | N/A | Choose sealed bottled or canned beverages. |
| Drink Acquisition | N/A | Watch your drink being poured by the bartender. |
| Physical Protection | Purchase and carry a reusable drink cover or cap. | Use a physical cover, and never leave your drink unattended. |
| Emergency Plan | Establish a communication plan and a safe ride home. | Have a trusted friend on standby to call if needed. |
| Bystander Action | Discuss with friends how you will intervene for each other. | Speak up or create a diversion if you see something suspicious. |
Recognizing the Signs of Spiking
Spiked drinks can be hard to detect, as many of the substances used are odorless, colorless, and tasteless. However, a sudden, inexplicable change in how you feel can be a major red flag. It’s important to remember that symptoms can mimic alcohol intoxication, making them easy to confuse.
Signs that a drink may have been spiked include:
- Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness
- Feeling drunker than expected from the amount consumed
- Nausea, vomiting, or blurred vision
- Confusion, disorientation, or lowered inhibitions
- Memory loss or having gaps in your memory
- Slurred speech or difficulty with balance
- Feeling very sleepy or passing out
What to Do If You Suspect Spiking
If you believe you or a friend have been spiked, acting quickly is critical. Your immediate safety is the priority.
- Alert a trusted person immediately: This could be a friend, a bar manager, or venue security. The Ask for Angela scheme is available in many venues, providing a discreet way to ask for help.
- Get to a safe place: Move away from the crowded area and any potentially threatening individuals. Stay with your trusted friend or a member of staff.
- Seek medical attention: If your symptoms are severe or worsen, call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room. A medical professional can provide care and collect evidence for forensic testing, which can be crucial for a police investigation.
- Preserve evidence: Keep the drink if possible. Forensic tests need to be conducted quickly, as some substances leave the body within 12 to 72 hours.
- Report to the police: Contacting law enforcement is a vital step. While it can be daunting, reporting an incident helps investigations and can prevent future attacks. Remember, the police will focus on the crime of spiking, not the presence of any illegal substances in your system. You are not at fault.
Conclusion
While spiking is a serious issue that can happen to anyone, empowering yourself with knowledge is a powerful deterrent. By adopting simple, proactive safety habits—such as watching your drinks and staying with a trusted group—you create a safer environment for yourself and those around you. Remember, the responsibility for a spiking incident lies solely with the perpetrator, and reporting such crimes is key to preventing them from harming others. The best defense is a combination of awareness, preparedness, and looking out for your friends.
For more information on drug-facilitated sexual assault, visit the RAINN website.
