Who spiked my drink?

Drink spiking is where someone adds a mind-altering substance such as alcohol, or extra alcohol or some form of drug into another person's drink without that person's knowledge.

What drugs are used?

Any drug could be used to spike a drink, but the most common ones you may have heard of are GHB, rohypnol or ketamine. These drugs relax a persons ability to defend themselves with disastrous consequences.

Some youngsters on a night out have 'woken' to find personal items stolen or sadly that they have been raped after having their drink spiked.  

Drug spiking is against the law. If it is proved that you intended to endanger the victims life or inflict bodily harm, there is a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.  

Some may spike a drink though, not for malicious reasons but because they think it's funny. Remember though that it is against the law and drink spiking can ruin an evening or at worst, the persons life! 
 

Don’t be a victim

• More women than men are victims of drink spiking. Many people are too embarrassed to report the incident.

• It can be difficult or impossible to tell if your drink has been spiked as some drugs used are tasteless, odourless and have no colour, but you can stay safe on a night out by following these tips:

• Don’t leave your drink unattended
• Know your own limit and stay in control
• Try to stay with people you know and trust
• Never accept a drink from someone you don't know

If you do believe you have been a victim of drink spiking, you should report it to the police.

Some clubs and pubs provide plastic lids to put on bottles which can help prevent your drink from being spiked or provide kits to test if your drink has been spiked. Why not ask the next time you buy a drink?