Thursday 19-09-2024 - 12:39

The 16th-22nd September is Spiking Awareness Week. With Freshers' Week taking place from today, we wanted to share some important tips on staying safe from drink and needle spiking; not only for the week ahead, but all occasions where you may find yourself at risk. We want you to have the best Freshers' Week possible, and staying safe is a crucial part of that. 

What is drink spiking?

Drink spiking is when a substance is unknowingly added to your drink, and this can be in the form of illegal drugs, 'date rape' drugs such as Rophynol or GHB, prescription drugs or even alcohol. It's often very difficult to be able to tell whether your drink has been spiked, which is why it's extremely important to keep your drink attended at all times when visiting a bar or club, even if you're with a large group of people. If someone you don't know tries to hand you a drink, don't accept it and if you feel unsafe, tell someone. Always watch your drink being poured when you buy it from the bar and if you need to go outside or to the toilet and you aren't able to take your drink with you, make sure you leave it with a trusted person to watch it for you. 

How to tell if someone's drink has been spiked and what to do?

There are multiple symptoms that can indicate someone has fallen victim to drink spiking. These are:

• If someone appears visibily intoxicated - especially if they've not had that much to drink
• Loss of balance
• Feeling sleepy
• Visual problems
• Confusion
• Nausea/vomiting
• Loss of consciousness

If you suspect that you, a friend or even a stranger has been spiked, seek help straightaway from venue staff, bouncers and the police. Stay with the person who you suspect has been spiked and keep talking to them to monitor their condition, don't allow them to drink alcohol, don't leave them with someone you don't know or trust and don't allow them go to home alone.  

Needle spiking

Since 2021, when increased reports of drink spiking prompted anti-spiking measures across the country, the phenomenon of needle spiking also became apparent in the UK. Needle spiking is when an illicit substance is injected directly into the victim with a needle, with high-risk areas being crowded venues like busy bars and nightclubs. If you can, try to wear clothing that doesn't leave your skin - especially your arms - exposed and if you're sensing a negative vibe from the place you're in, leave immediately and find somewhere you feel safer. 

If you suspect you or somebody else has been spiked with a needle, report it straightaway and follow the same steps you would with drink spiking. Additional steps to take in a suspected needle spiking case include:

• If you can locate the injection wound, encourage it to bleed by holding it under running water
• Wash the wound with plenty of soap and water, but do not scrub or suck the wound to draw out the substance
• Dry the wound and cover it with a waterproof plaster or dressing
• Seek urgent medical advice from the 111 service or from your nearest A&E department

Unfortunately, although remaining vigilant can significantly mitigate the risk, anyone can still fall victim to spiking, and many people never report it because they don't remember what happened or they feel embarrassed. Victim Support offers free, confidential advice to those who have fallen victim to the crime and are in need of support. 

 

Written by Lauren Hole, Communications & Engagement Coordinator 

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