When going out for drinks with friends or to clubs to dance, it is always a good idea to understand the dangers of spiked drinks and what you can do to spot them.
When it comes to recognising if a drink is spiked, it is incredibly difficult, if not impossible to tell before it is too late and you have consumed the drug.
If you or someone you are with thinks that their drink is spiked, you need to call the police and get yourself to the safest place that you can find. Many bartenders will be able to help you if you report it to them.
Signs of drink spiking
Most drink spiking uses drugs like GHB, ketamine and benzodiazepines. These illegal substances don’t have a taste or smell and don’t change the colour of a drink. This is what makes spotting a spiked drink so difficult.
If caught early, it can be possible to see dust or flecks within the drink. The drink may also be a little murky or cloudy. All of these signs will disappear very quickly and may not even be noticeable in a dark drink.
While the drugs mentioned are very common substances used, alcohol itself is used to spike drinks too. Put into a soft drink or increase the potency of an alcoholic drink, this type of spiking can get the victim drunk or drunker.
If alcohol is used, the colour of the drink may look a little diluted and have a stronger taste. If you don’t drink alcohol, you may be able to notice when it has been added. For the symptoms of drinking a spiked drink, read our article What to do if Your Drink is Spiked.
What can you do to avoid drink spiking?
The most common advice is to go out with trusted friends and never leave your drink unattended. When we say ‘never leave your drink unattended’ we really mean that you shouldn’t leave your drink at all. Not even with a friend.
It’s not that we cannot trust the people we are with, it’s that they are likely to leave your drink on the table and may get distracted. Potentially by the person who is spiking your drink.
If you need to go to the loo, finish your drink. If you are in a busy space that is a known risk, consider giving up on it if you cannot finish it first.
What to do if your drink has been spiked
The sooner you notice a spiked drink, the better your chances are of staying safe. If your drink has been spiked, call the police and find a waiter or bartender. Tell them about your situation and find the safest place possible.
If you are safe and still need help on what you can do to get over the drug’s symptoms or any other advice about the situation you are in, you can call Get Help and one of our friendly experts will be able to help you out.
