Drink spiking & date rape drugs

A person’s drink can be spiked to make them more vulnerable for a variety of motives, including theft or sexual assault.

Different types of spiking can include the following substances being added to drinks:

- Alcohol

- ‘Date rape’ drugs

- Illegal drugs

- Prescription drugs (e.g. stimulants, tranquilisers, sedatives, opiates)

Drink spiking can happen to any type of drink, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic. The effects can be unpredictable but are likely to be more serious if someone who’s had their drink spiked has also consumed alcohol, or other drugs. This is because of the combination of effects from the different drugs working at the same time.

'Date-rape drugs' can be odourless, colourless and tasteless. They also leave the body within a short amount of time making them hard to detect.

Ketamine and Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) are the most commonly known ‘date-rape’ drugs. Both drugs can be used to commit physical and sexual assaults as they can sedate or incapacitate a victim, making them more vulnerable to attack.

Studies show that the majority of people do not think they're at risk of being spiked. Anyone is at risk of being spiked, although in general women are more likely to be spiked than men.

Even after getting to know someone in a public setting such as a bar or club, accepting a drink should be considered a risk. Leaving your drink unattended for a short period to go to the bathroom, can put you at risk.

It can be extremely difficult to tell if your drink has been spiked by taste or smell. The substances used are in general colourless and odourless.

It is important to be aware of the symptoms of spiking in order to protect yourself and those close to you.

Symptoms depend on many factors:

- Your size and weight

- How much alcohol you have consumed prior to being spiked

- The substance used to spike your drink/the dose

Generally, drink spiking symptoms can vary depending on a variety of factors.

Regardless, it is important to be aware of the following symptoms:

- Feeling nauseous or more drunk than usual

- Difficulties communicating

- Memory Loss or confusion

- Breathing issues

- Loss of feeling across your senses

- Vomiting

- Loss of inhibition

If you notice any of the above in yourself or a friend it is extremely important to notify a member of staff. Do not leave the venue! Bar staff will be able to offer you water and safety.

If you suspect either yourself or someone you know has been spiked it is extremely important to take action quickly.

1. Alert a trusted person. A friend, a member of staff or host.

2. Go to a safe place with someone you know and trust.

3. If the symptoms are worsening, call an ambulance immediately.

4. Alert the police after any suspected incident of drink spiking.

In order to protect yourself and your friends against spiking there are a number of recommended preventative measures.

1. It is essential to be aware of drink spiking. By simply being aware this can massively reduce the level of risk for you and your friends.

2. Buy your own drinks! When buying a drink we recommend using a DrinkSafe cover. Covers will generally be supplied by the venue; although we recommend to always bring your own just in case.

3. If in any case you accept a drink from a stranger, accompany them to the bar, take the drink from the bartender yourself and apply a DrinkSafe cover.

4. If you spot or suspect anyone of drink spiking tell a member of staff or someone at the bar immediately.

5. Look out for your friends. Always have a plan of action if something goes wrong.

DrinkSafe covers are single use foil covers which are designed to prevent drink spiking. The aim of the covers is to provide you with peace of mind, so you and your friends feel safe and secure in any social scenario.

It is extremely important to understand the dangers of drink spiking. Although, by covering your drink you can be assured that you and your friends are protected.

Our covers are made from (100mm) sheets of aluminium foil; and fit on the vast majority of drinking vessels. The covers are designed so you can easily insert a straw, yet provide a strong protective cover against spiking.

On the underside of the cover we have used food and hygiene approved adhesive which won't have any negative effects on your beverage.

You can purchase DrinkSafe covers here!

DrinkSafe spiking detection test kits have been carefully manufactured to combat the worldwide problem of drink spiking. Our testing & detection strips test for minimal standard dosages of ketamine and GHB two of the most common date rape drugs.

Drink spiking can happen to any type of drink, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic. The effects can be unpredictable but are likely to be more serious if someone who’s had their drink spiked has also consumed alcohol, or other drugs.

Our easy to use test kit will protect you and allow you and your friends to feel safe and secure.

Our testing strips are extremely easy to use and provide results within seconds. Simply dab a small amount of your drink onto either side of the testing strip with a straw. If your drink is spiked you will see a coloured circle appear on either side of the strip.

In the event of a positive test it is integral that you follow the necessary procedures:

1. Alert a trusted person. A friend, a member of staff or host.

2. Go to a safe place with someone you know and trust.

3. If the symptoms are worsening, call an ambulance immediately.

4. Alert the police after any suspected incident of drink spiking.

In the hospitality industry it is becoming essential to provide customers with peace of mind and protection against spiking.

Many bars, clubs & events have increased the level of searches upon entry although the number of spiking cases are still increasing.

Due to the high level of cases there has been talk of Government regulation to make it essential for venues to provide mandatory anti-spiking measures across the UK.

By providing DrinkSafe covers and testing strips this can provide the necessary level of safety customers are looking for.