Drink spiking is when a person adds alcohol or drug to another person’s drink without their knowledge or consent, according to an information sheet by the United Kingdom’s National Health Service. A person who spikes a drink may be the victim’s friend, acquaintance, colleague, date, or even a stranger. Drinks can be spiked at nightclubs, bars, dance parties, private residences, community gatherings, and restaurants. Drink spiking is a crime and such incidents should be reported to the police.
1. Get tested in a lab
If the person still has some of the spiked drink, they should keep a hold of it if possible. It could be used as evidence during prosecution and for analysis to know what drug was used. When such incidents happen, blood and urine tests will be conducted before the drug leaves the body so that the person can be treated accordingly.
2. Get psychological help
When a person has fallen victim of drink spiking, they are potentially also victimised by sexual or physical assault, so they should get counseling or another form of psychological support because without professional support, the memory of the event may lead to feelings of depression, anxiety and paranoia.
3. Be safety conscious at events
Don’t accept drinks from strangers and if you accept the offer of a drink from a stranger, accompany them to the bar and take the drink from the bartender yourself. When you are at a bar or party where there are drinks being taken, don’t take your eyes off your drink. If you need to leave to go to the restroom or dance or receive a phone call outside, ask a trusted friend to keep watch. Also, make sure you buy drinks that come in bottles with screw-top lids.
4. Surround the victim with trusted persons
When a person is still in the process of recovery from the substance, they should be with trusted persons at all times. Someone who is trusted should be with that individual at all times, not only to observe any potential changes in their condition, but also to provide comfort and support in dealing with the aftermath of the incident. Having the right persons around them is important in helping them to get professional help and initiate an investigation into the attack, if possible.