What is spiking?
Spiking refers to when a person puts drugs or alcohol into a person’s drink without them knowing. Needle spiking occurs when a person uses a needle/syringe to inject drugs into someone.
Spiking someone is illegal and can result in a prison sentence if the perpetrator is found guilty.
Signs that you, or a friend, may have been spiked include:
- Confusion
- Drowsy
- Disorientation
- Visual problems
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blacking out
- Unconsciousness
What to do if you think you have been spiked:
- Tell someone you trust
- Seek medical attention
- Contact the police
- Phone 999 in an emergency
What to do if you think a friend has been spiked:
- Stay with them and ask a member of staff for assistance
- Seek urgent medical support if their condition deteriorates
- Don't let them go home alone
- Avoid letting them drink more alcohol
What to do if you think you have been spiked by injection:
- Ask a trusted person for help
- Encourage the wound to bleed
- Wash with running water
- Do not scrub
- Dry and cover with a waterproof plaster
- Seek urgent medical advice to reduce the risk of getting an infection
Spiking is never a victim’s fault. Spiking is a serious crime. If you think you have been spiked, report it to the police.
If you have been subjected to a rape or a sexual assault, we are here to support you.