There are things you can do to minimise the chances of drink spiking when you go out to clubs, pubs or parties. One of the most obvious and sensible things is to go out with friends, and to watch out for each other.
Here’s our list of DOs and DONTs:
DON’Ts
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers
- Don’t leave drinks unattended.
- Don’t drink something you didn’t open, or see opened or poured.
DOs
- If you DO want to accept a drink from someone who has offered you one, go to the bar with them.
- DO buy your own drinks and know what you’re drinking.
- DO leave your drink, if you are not sure about it.
- If you’re on a date with someone you don’t know, DO arrange for a friend to call you during the evening and/or pick you up, DO meet in a public space and DO arrange your own transport.
What to do if you think your drink has been spiked
If you think your drink has been spiked, first tell a friend or friends who are with you. If you are on your own, tell the bar or security staff, or the police. Even if you are not sure, if you feel dizzy or sick, ask someone you trust to take you to a safe place. If you’re alone or can’t find your friends tell the staff behind the bar.
Your doctor can test for the presence of traces of certain drugs through urine or blood tests within 24 hours, so do seek medical attention as soon as possible.If you think you’ve been assaulted or raped, tell a friend or family member, and go to a doctor or hospital.
Look out for your friends
Keep an eye on your friends. If someone collapses and is unconscious, call an ambulance immediately. Don’t leave them alone. If someone is not drinking alcohol or has had very little to drink and appears to be drunk, unwell or acting out of character, then err on the side of caution and assume they may have had their drink spiked. Get them home and get them some medical attention. Warn others that a drink may have been spiked and to watch out for their own drinks.
Test Your Drink offers a simple, discreet test – just slip a sheet of paper into your drink. We’ve entered the Voom funding competition and we’d love your support – just click here
