Know the facts about Drink Spiking

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By Steve Baker, UPSU Membership Services Manager

Last updated: Tue 23rd Oct 2007 at 20:51

drinks The new academic year has settled in, most people are finding their social rhythm and now is an essential time that you keep yourself safe.

What is drink spiking?

Drink spiking is when alcohol or another drug is added to your drink without you knowing. This results in you becoming drunk or drug affected unexpectedly. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can be spiked, and it can happen at clubs, bars and at parties. Spiked drinks are also called a ‘mickey finn’ or being ‘slipped a mickey’.

What are the effects of drink spiking?

The effects of drink spiking depend on a number of things, including your size, weight and the amount or combination of the drugs used. You can become unconscious, unable to defend yourself, or remember what happened. People may spike your drink as a prank or with the intent to assault, rob or sexually assault you.

How to avoid drink spiking

• Don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended. If someone offers you a drink, go to the bar with them.

• Buy your own drinks and know what you are drinking.

• Don’t drink something you did not open, or see opened or poured.

• If you’re unsure about your drink, leave it.

• If you feel dizzy or sick, ask someone you trust to take you to a safe place. If you are alone or can’t find your friends tell the staff behind the bar.

• Keep an eye on your friends. If someone collapses and is unconscious, call an ambulance immediately—but do not leave them alone.

• If you’re on a date with someone you don’t know arrange for a friend to call you during the evening and/or pick you up. Meet in a public space. Arrange your own transport

How do I know if my drink has been spiked?
You might not be able to see, smell or taste if you drink has been spiked—the drug may be colourless, odourless and may not affect the taste of your drink

Warning signs include:
• Feeling dizzy or faint
• Feeling sick or sleepy
• Feeling intoxicated or confused even if you have only had a little alcohol to drink.
• Passing out
• Waking up feeling uncomfortable and disorientated, with memory blanks about the night before

What to do if you think your drink has been spiked?
If you think your drink has been spiked, tell a friend, the bar or security staff, or the police. Your doctor can test for the presence of traces of certain drugs through urine or blood tests within 24 hours.

If you think that you have been assaulted or raped, it’s important you tell a friend or family member, and go to a doctor or hospital.
Drink spiking and the law

Drink spiking is illegal. It’s a serious offence to introduce a drug into the body of another person without their knowledge or consent, especially if the person is assaulted as a result.