Smart Nights Out: Drink Spiking Prevention & Safety

 People who spike drinks often use a few different substances:

• Alcohol: The most common way to spike a drink is by adding extra alcohol. It’s subtle and hard to detect because the drink still tastes familiar, but it can quickly lead to over-intoxication.

• Drugs: Some spikers use drugs like Rohypnol, GHB, or ketamine because they induce severe drowsiness, confusion, or unconsciousness. These substances are often odourless, tasteless, and undetectable, making them extremely dangerous.

• Prescription Medications: Sedatives or other medications may be slipped into drinks to impair judgment and mobility.

Once in your system, these substances can cause anything from dizziness and confusion to full memory loss or blacking out. Victims of drink spiking are often left vulnerable to robbery, assault, or other dangers.

 It’s not always easy to tell if a drink has been spiked, but these signs could be red flags:

• Unusual Taste or Smell: Your drink might taste off, have a strange texture, or smell different.
• Feeling More Intoxicated Than Expected: If you feel unusually drunk after just a small amount of alcohol, it could be a sign that your drink was tampered with.
• Sudden Drowsiness or Confusion: Drugs used for spiking often make victims feel dizzy, sleepy, or confused—much more so than what you’d expect from just alcohol.
• Blurred Vision or Blackouts: A sudden loss of memory, feeling faint, or struggling to stay awake are key indicators.
• Loss of Control: Feeling like you’re not in control of your body or your surroundings.

Trust your instincts. If you ever feel like something’s not right, it’s important to take immediate action.

 Staying safe doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. By following a few simple steps, you can enjoy your night out while protecting yourself and others from harm.

• Create a Buddy System: Stick with a group of friends, and make sure you check in with each other regularly.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water between alcoholic drinks helps you stay aware of how intoxicated you feel and reduces the risk of dehydration.
• Plan Your Way Home: Know how you’re getting home at the end of the night, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas.

 Drink spiking is a dangerous and growing problem, but you don’t have to live in fear. By staying informed, looking out for yourself and your friends, and acting quickly if something feels off, you can minimize the risk. Prevention is key, but knowing how to react can make all the difference.