Drink spiking is a serious and dangerous crime. It can leave people vulnerable to harm, and it’s more common than you might think. Whether you’re heading out with friends or supporting someone who’s been affected, knowing the facts can help keep you and others safe.
What Is Drink Spiking?
Drink spiking is when someone adds a drug—or extra alcohol—to another person’s drink without their knowledge. It’s often done to make someone more vulnerable to robbery, assault, or sexual violence.
Spiking can happen with alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, and often goes unnoticed because many drugs used don’t have a taste or smell.
What Are ‘Date Rape’ Drugs?
The most common “date rape” drugs are:
- GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate)
- Rohypnol (Roofie)
These substances have strong sedative effects and are often used to commit sexual or physical assault. Other drugs like ecstasy, ketamine, or LSD have also been used to spike drinks.
They usually kick in within 15–30 minutes and effects can last for several hours.
The Law on Drink Spiking
Spiking someone’s drink—whether with drugs or extra alcohol—is illegal. It carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. If it’s linked to a robbery or sexual assault, the charges are even more serious.
It’s important to report any suspected spiking to help stop it from happening to someone else.
Signs You or a Friend May Have Been Spiked
Symptoms depend on the substance and the amount, but common signs include:
- Sudden confusion or memory loss
- Feeling unusually drunk or drowsy
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Blurred vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unconsciousness
Other factors like body weight, alcohol tolerance, and any other substances taken can affect how a person reacts.
How to Stay Safe
While it’s never your fault if someone spikes your drink, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Keep your drink with you at all times
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers
- Stick to the UK’s low-risk drinking guidelines
- Stay with friends, and look out for each other
- Consider using drink testing kits (although they don’t detect everything)
Venues also have a duty of care to keep people safe, and should have trained staff and security measures in place.
What to Do If a Friend’s Been Spiked
If you think someone has been spiked:
- Tell a member of staff or security straight away
- Stay with them and keep them talking
- Call 999 if their condition worsens
- Don’t let them go home alone
- Don’t let them leave with someone you don’t trust
- Don’t give them more alcohol
- Report the incident to police – call 999 in an emergency or 101 if not urgent
What If You Think You’ve Been Assaulted?
Drink spiking can lead to assault, especially if you’ve lost consciousness or can’t remember what happened. If you believe something happened—even if you’re unsure—please talk to someone.
- Speak to a friend, family member, or someone you trust
- Get medical attention if needed
- You can report to the police when you’re ready
- Call Rape Crisis anytime on 0808 500 2222 for support
You’re Not Alone
If you’ve been spiked, assaulted, or feel unsafe—you are not to blame. Support is available, and we’re here to help you through it.