CW: Sexual assault

Drink spiking is when someone intentionally adds alcohol or other kinds of drugs to another person’s drink without their knowledge or consent.

Drink spiking is common, and it doesn’t just happen in nightclubs. People have been known to have their drink spiked at pubs, parties, restaurants, festivals — even at home. Young women are the most common targets. 

Drink spiking can be done as a prank, but is also linked to crimes such as robbery and sexual assault. It doesn’t matter what the reason is, drink spiking is illegal.

One of the most common drugs used to spike drinks is GHB, also known as the date-rape drug or liquid ecstasy. It is a taste-less, colourless, fast acting, depressive drug that leaves users with amnesia, impaired movement and speech.

How to avoid your drink being spiked

1. Party with people you trust.
2. Buy your own drinks. If someone wants to buy you a drink, go to the bar with them and take the drink directly from the bartender.
3. Don’t leave your drink unattended. If you go to the bathroom, get a friend to mind it for you or take your drink with you.
4. Buy or bring drinks with a screw top. That way you can put it in your bag when you want to dance or go to the toilet.
5. If you suspect that your drink might have been spiked, don’t drink it.
6. If you see someone spike a drink, let a staff member know or tell someone you trust.

If it happens to a friend

• If you think a friend has had their drink spiked and they are feeling unwell, confused or drunker than expected or having hallucinations, stay with them and move to a safe place.
  
• If they lose consciousness or deteriorate in any way, call an ambulance on 000.
  
• If you see someone you don’t know looking kind of spacey and out of it, ask them if they’re ok. If you can, help them get home safely.
  
• If they seem really confused or are falling asleep, notify the bar staff or an adult, and stay with them. If they start to deteriorate, call an ambulance on 000.