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Drink Spiking
Monday, 21 April 2008.
Originally from express article 27 February 2008
By Di from Auckland Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS)
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| Di from CADS on Drink Spiking. |
WATCH OUT!! What a fabulous summer we are having – and what great HERO and Mardi Gras events!
With increased social contact comes the potential for some dodgy type to really wreak havoc with your night. What am I referring to….? Drink spiking! It is more common that we want to admit, and if it does happen, it is our friends or kind strangers who can really make a difference.
Below is an exert from the CADS publication ‘sorted – safer partying drug information guide’. The whole publication can be accessed by going to www.cads.org.nz/sorted.
Drink Spiking
People spike drinks to sexually assault, rape or rob the victim, or even as a prank. Alcohol and or other drugs – illegal and prescription - are used.
If you think you have consumed a spiked drink, alert someone you know and trust or the staff at the venue. Get medical attention immediately and insist on providing urine and blood samples. If you have been spiked, the drugs may be ones that don’t stay in your system for long, so give samples straight away.
If you feel you cannot speak to anyone initially, at least get a sample of your urine and store it in a clean sealable container in the fridge until you decide what you want to do.
Consider calling the police.
To avoid having your drink spiked, ensure that you:
- don’t leave your drink unattended, and get a friend to guard it if you go away.
- don’t accept drinks from strangers.
- watch the person behind the bar when they pour your drinks.
- buy bottles with lids so you can store your drink in a bag if necessary.
- If you’re out with someone you don’t know arrange for a friend to call you during the evening and/or pick you up. Meet in a public space. Arrange your own transport.
Warning signs include:
- Feeling dizzy, faint, sick or sleepy.
- Feeling too hot or cold or both at the same time.
- Feeling intoxicated or confused even if you have only had a little alcohol to drink.
- Passing out.
- Waking up feeling uncomfortable and disorientated, with memory blanks about the night before.
If someone is acting strangely, consider that they may have consumed a spiked drink. You can:
- Get them home or seek medical assistance immediately if required,
- Make sure they leave with someone trustworthy,
- Ask for photo identification and record their details.
Drink spiking is illegal. It’s an offence to endanger someone’s life, and if the person has a serious reaction to the drug and dies, the person responsible could face a murder charge.
If you would like to talk about your own or someone else’s alcohol or other drug use contact CADS on 845 1818 or www.cads.org.nz. If you live outside Auckland contact Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.
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> More items from Di's Drug Column
