‘Spiking’ is when an individual puts alcohol or drugs into the victim’s drink or their body by injecting them without their knowledge or their consent. Typically, this occurs in crowded environments where the perpetrator actions can be under detected, such as a club or bar environment. Also, spiking can occur when sharing cigarettes or vapes with strangers. Vape spiking entails lacing vapes with substances such as; vapourised LSD, synthetic marijuana, or painkillers, which can lead to serious health implications.
Examples of spiking include;
Adding alcohol to a non-alcoholic drink without the knowledge and/or consent from the victim.
Drugs (legal or illegal) can be added to drinks or injected, either without any knowledge and/or consent or the victim being advised of a different drug or dosage being given.
Vape or cigarette spiking - giving someone drugs in a cigarette or e-cigarette without the knowledge and/or consent from the victim.
Impact of Spiking?
The impact of spiking will depend on; what they were spiked with, the dosage, if they had already consumed alcohol or drugs and their size and weight. Symptoms can come into effect within 15 minutes and can last several hours.
Impact of Spiking Impact of Spiking.png215.02 KBSafety Planning with Spiking It’s important to state that you can’t control the actions of others. Below are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk and likelihood of a spiking incident.
Socialise with trusted friends, plan your night out including transport there and back.
If you are at a venue that serves drinks, watch the bartender prepare your drink.
Buy your own drinks
Avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
If you accept the offer of a drink from a stranger, accompany them to the bar and take the drink from the bartender yourself.
Do not share vapes or cigarettes with strangers or those you do not trust.
Responding to Spiking If you or your friend think you have been spiked, it’s absolutely crucial to follow the below steps;
If you are in the O2 academy
You can inform the bar staff or members of security or you can activate your Safe Zone emergency app.
Stay with your friend and if they feel sleepy, try to keep them talking. If your friend falls asleep put them into the recovery position
Ensure your friend is seen by a first aider or the ambulance service
Don’t let your friend go home or get in a taxi by themselves or with someone you don't know
Don’t let them drink any more alcohol, vape or have a cigarette.
If you are in Leicester City
You can inform the bar staff or members of security and request emergency services are contacted.
You can utilise the ‘Ask Angela phrase’ to request for discreet help from bar staff or security.
If you are unable to tell bar staff or security, contact 999 and request for an ambulance.
Stay with your friend and if they feel sleepy, try to keep them talking. If your friend falls asleep put them into the recovery position
Ensure your friend is seen by a first aider or the ambulance service
Don’t let your friend go home or get in a taxi by themselves or with someone you don't know
Don’t let them drink any more alcohol, vape or have a cigarette.
