Spiking is when someone gives another person drugs or alcohol without them knowing, and without their consent. Spiking may involve someone being given alcohol, drugs or both.
Drink spiking is most common, and often involves alcohol. This may involve giving someone too much alcohol, like giving someone double measures or topping up their glass without them knowing. Buying someone a drink when they’re already drunk may also be considered spiking.
Other drugs may also be used that can be dangerous when mixed with alcohol, like GHB, Rohypnol and ketamine. These drugs lesser inhibitions, like lowering responses and awareness of pain, as well as lowering heart rate and breathing.
Other examples of spiking may include knowingly giving someone a different drug or too much of a particular drug without their knowledge.
Needle spiking has become an issue in recent years, though it is very rare. Needle spiking involves someone being injected with a drug without their knowledge or consent. Most people will feel a scratch, sting or pain on a needle entering the skin.
Spiking most often happens in pubs and clubs where drinking is common, but it can happen anywhere. Anyone could be spiked by anyone else, whether you know them or they’re a stranger.
Spiking is illegal and puts people at risk. If someone knowingly gives you drugs or alcohol without your knowledge or consent, they could face up to 10 years in prison.
Signs of being spiked It’s often difficult to know if you are someone else has been spiked, as it’s difficult to measure additional alcohol in alcohol drinks, and drugs used in spiking often don’t have a strong colour, taste, or smell.
The effects of spiking can vary depending on the drugs or alcohol involved, and whether they were mixed with other substances. Some things to look out for include:
- Lower inhibitions
- Loss of balance
- Feeling sleepy
- Visual problems
- Confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unconsciousness
- Lower heart rate and breathing
Tips to avoid being spiked It’s important to remember that being spiked and anything that may happen as a result of being spiked is not your fault. It shouldn’t be anyone’s responsibility to prevent themselves from being spiked. However, there are some tips that you can follow to keep yourself and others safe.
- Avoid leaving drinks unattended
- Be wary if people are reaching over your drinks or hanging about where your drinks are
- Be vigilant when people are buying you drinks and avoid accepting drinks from other people, especially if you don’t know them or have just met them
- Listen and take people seriously if they report being spiked
- Report spiking immediately if you see it
There are items you can use to prevent your drink from being spiked, like ‘spikey’ bottle stoppers or anti-spiking covers. There are also nail polishes that will change colour when dipped into your drink if drugs are detected. Some of these items are available at Crew and various venues.
Scottish Campuses and UK Specific:
Some of the above items are available at Crew and various venues (eg nail polishes that will change colour when dipped into your drink if drugs are detected).
If you are in a bar or club and begin to feel unsafe or vulnerable, you can ask for help by approaching staff and asking for ‘Angela’. This is a phrase that indicates to staff that you need help, and they will provide assistance by taking you out of the situation and making sure you get home safe.
Best Bar None is a national award scheme for bars, pubs and clubs that gives support and advice to premises to improve safety standards and reduce crime. A list of venues associated with Best Bar None can be found here: https://www.bbnscotland.co.uk/venues.