Drink Spiking: What It Is and How to Safeguard Yourself

Written by Lizzie Learn On 26th Jan 2023

rink spiking, and needle spiking, have become serious issues and, unfortunately, more common than we imagine.

In the UK, one in nine women and one in seventeen men report having been victims of drink spiking. Going out to have a good time at a nightclub or music festival has become riskier due to increased instances of drink spiking. 

People, especially young girls and women, are becoming more nervous when it comes to going out and enjoying a few drinks with friends. Drink spiking is a criminal offence in the UK and carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years. 

This article discusses what drink spiking is, the signs that your drink may have been spiked, and what you can do to safeguard against becoming a victim.

What Is Drink Spiking?

Drink spiking is when someone adds alcohol or drugs to a person’s drink without their knowledge or permission. The purpose behind drink spiking is to make the individual behave differently from the way they normally do, leaving them vulnerable. Sometimes, it can supposedly be for fun; to get a friend to drink a cocktail, for example, but most times, the objective is more sinister.

In most cases, the victims of drink spiking are singled out for sexual assault or robbery and undergo harrowing experiences. 

The UK police reported nearly 5,000 cases related to drink spiking in the year 2022. Many women feel that the problem of drink spiking has increased in the period after the pandemic when people have started going out to nightclubs after a pause of two years. 

Drink spiking is not only carried out by strangers but also by people whom the victim knows well. 

What Substances Are Commonly Used to Spike Drinks?

Drinks can be spiked with drugs or alcohol. Many of these drugs are also known as ‘date rape drugs’ as the victim is often drugged with the intention of sexual assault or rape. 

Once the drink has been unknowingly consumed, the victim may not remember anything for the next few hours. Urine and blood tests may reveal evidence of these drugs if tested in time. Most drugs leave the system within 72 hours, but some can be gone within 12 hours, so it is important to get tested immediately if you suspect that you have been the victim of drink spiking. 

Drinks that have been spiked may not look or taste any different to the original drink. This is why most people remain unaware that their drink has been spiked. 

Many people refrain from reporting drink-spiking incidents because they do not remember anything during those crucial hours, or they feel embarrassed speaking about it. 

Signs That Your Drink May Have Been Spiked

Many of the drugs used to spike drinks cause blackouts and memory loss, and the person may wake up feeling numb and sick.

The severity of symptoms depends on the quantity of the drug administered in the drink, the volume of alcohol consumed by the individual and the size and weight of the person. 

Safeguarding Against Drink Spiking

The best way to stop yourself from becoming a victim of drink spiking is to refrain from accepting drinks from strangers, avoid leaving your drink unattended and avoid drinking from other people’s glasses. 

Nightclubs in the UK have beefed up vigilance against drink spiking by increasing awareness among their staff. Vigilant hospitality staff members keep an eye on customers and notice if people are asking for double or triple shots for a person in the group who may appear vulnerable. 

It is also a good idea to offer anti-spiking drink covers or caps, to allow guests to seal the tops of their glasses. The covers have a hole for slipping in a straw.

Ask for Angela

The “Ask for Angela” campaign was introduced in UK nightclubs to help guests feel safer and more comfortable. 

If you feel threatened or vulnerable, you can approach any staff member and ask for “Angela”. The staff can help by calling a taxi, calling for a friend, or contacting the police. 

What Venues are doing to Keep Customers Safe

Customers are subject to security checks at the entrance of nightclubs, including ID checks. Bags are also searched to ensure no illegal drugs, knives, needles or scissors are brought in. Some clubs also have metal detectors.

Many pubs and nightclubs are offering anti-spiking products, such as drink covers. If you are concerned about drink spiking when out for an evening, approach a member of staff and ask for a drink cover.

Some pubs and nightclubs are also using test strips to check for the presence of drugs in drinks. The staff randomly test unattended drinks by placing a drop or two on the tester patch. They will also provide test strips to anyone worried about spiking.

Hospitality industry employees are also fully trained in first aid and responding to emergency situations. 

Tips to Keep Yourself Safe