Drink spiking occurs when a drug is covertly placed in a person's
drink in order to sedate or incapacitate them.
Young women are common targets of drink spiking and the harms
resulting include sexual assault, robbery and unsafe sex.
- Benzodiazepines (tranquilliser’s/sleeping pills)
- Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate (GHB)
- Rohypnol
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
- Opiates
- nausea, dizziness, feeling unwell
- lowering of inhibitions
- loss of consciousness
- loss of memory.
- appearing intoxicated after only a small amount of alcohol
(loss of inhibitions, poor coordination, drowsiness, confusion
or unconsciousness)
- appearing uncomfortable in the presence of the person with
them.
The preceding list of signs can be attributed to someone who
has been consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. However,
if a drug has been added it will happen more quickly. This
is further complicated by not knowing how much alcohol the
affected person has consumed earlier.
If you or a friend suspects a drink has been spiked you are
encouraged to report it to the Reporting the incident within 24-hours
enables a urine sample to be analysed. A positive test confirms
the drink spiking and provides good evidence for prosecution.
will be interested in all the circumstances surrounding the
drink spiking such as last drink and descriptions of persons-of-interest.
Take care of the affected person. If they are experiencing bad
effects, call an ambulance immediately. Don’t delay, you
could save their life. If the person becomes unconscious and
you know first aid, place them on their side in the recovery
position and make sure their airway is clear. If they stop breathing,
commence Expired Air Respiration (EAR). If a sexual assault
is suspected contact the .
- always buy your own drink and watch it being poured
- don't accept drinks from strangers
- never leave your drink unattended while you dance or go
to the toilet
- don't drink or taste anyone else's drink
- dispose of your drink if you think it tastes odd.
For further information on drink spiking obtain a copy
of:
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