What is spiking?
‘Spiking’ is when someone is given alcohol or drugs without their knowledge or consent.
With drinks, this often happens in crowded environments like clubs or bars; it can also occur when sharing cigarettes or vapes with strangers.
Spiking is illegal, but many people don't report it. It's not something to feel guilty or ashamed about, and it can happen to anyone.
Examples of spiking include:
- Adding alcohol to a non-alcoholic drink
- Injecting or adding drugs (legal or illegal) to drinks
- Vape or cigarette spiking
How do I know if someone has been spiked?
It can be hard to spot, and symptoms will depend on what they were spiked with, how large the dosage was, their size/weight, and if they had already consumed alcohol or drugs. Symptoms can come into effect within 15 minutes and can last several hours.
If you notice any changes to the appearance or taste of your drink, don't drink it! Tell staff or security right away.
Some of the other signs you might be looking for are:
- A sudden change in behaviour (fine one minute, and seeming really drunk the next)
- Difficulty speaking, or slurred speech
- Blurred vision and balance/coordination issues
- Confusion, memory loss or blackouts
- Hallucinations and paranoia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Passing out and not responding
How do I keep myself safe from spiking?
You can’t control the actions of others, and the victim is never to blame for being spiked. However, if you are worried, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk and likelihood of a spiking incident:
- Make sure you trust the friends you're going out with
- Plan your night out, including transport there and back
- If you are at a venue that serves drinks, watch the bartender prepare your drink
- Don't leave drinks unattended
- Buy your own drinks, and avoid accepting drinks from strangers
- If you do 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
What do I do if someone has been spiked?
If you think someone has been spiked, it’s absolutely crucial to follow the below steps.
If you are in the O2 Academy:
- Tell the bar or security staff, or activate your Safe Zone emergency app
- Stay with your friend and try to keep them talking. If your friend falls asleep or passes out, put them into the recovery position
- Don’t let them drink any more alcohol, vape or smoke a cigarette
- Make sure your friend is seen by a first aider or the ambulance service
- Don’t let your friend go home alone or with someone you don't know
If you are in Leicester City:
- Tell the bar or security staff and request that emergency services are contacted
- You can utilise the 'Ask for Angela' phrase to request for discreet help from bar staff or security
- If you are unable to tell bar staff or security directly, contact 999 yourself and request an ambulance
- Stay with your friend and try to keep them talking. If your friend falls asleep or passes out, put them into the recovery position
- Don’t let them drink any more alcohol, vape or smoke a cigarette
- Ensure your friend is seen by a first aider or the ambulance service
- Don’t let your friend go home alone or with someone you don't know
What is the long-term impact of spiking?
If you are a student at the University, you can speak to the Standing Together team for support. You can make a disclosure via Report and Support, and a member of the team will be in touch.