What is spiking?
Spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s drink or body without their consent or knowledge. Spiking can happen to anyone, anywhere and can be carried out by strangers or people you know.
Is spiking illegal?
Yes, it is illegal under current laws in the UK. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 says it is an offence to administer a substance to another person without their consent, with the intention of "stupefying or overpowering" them so as to enable any other person to engage in sexual activity with them.
What are the symptoms of spiking?
Symptoms may vary from person to person, depending on what substance has been used and how much. The charity, "Stamp Out Spiking" says effects may be felt as quickly as 20 minutes after being spiked and include:
- Lowered inhibitions
- Difficulty concentrating or speaking
- Appearing intoxicated after consuming small amounts of alcohol (or none at all)
- Loss of balance and finding it hard to move
- Visual problems, particularly blurred vision
- Memory loss or ‘blackouts’
- Feeling confused or disoriented, particularly after waking up (if you’ve been asleep)
- Unconsciousness
How can I stay safe from drink spiking?
Never leave your drink unattended – If you do step away from your drink for a moment, ask a trusted friend to keep an eye on it for you. If your drink has been left unattended and you’re not sure if is safe, it’s best to order a new one.
Always cover your drink - Bottle stoppers and drink covers are available for free from the Lower Deck and should be offered to you when you order a drink. If not, you can ask for one!
Be cautious about accepting drinks – especially from people you do not know. If you do accept a drink from someone, make sure you go with them to the bar and take the drink directly from the server.
Look out for each other – stick together and if you suspect that you or a friend has been spiked, don’t let them go home alone or with someone they don’t know.
Look out for signs - some drugs can be colourless and may not have a smell or taste. If your drink has been left unattended, signs that it may not be safe include:
- Strange taste
- Change in appearance e.g. cloudy
- Fizzing or bubbling
- Different colour or/and odour
- Change in the position of the drink e.g. moved to a different place or a straw has been added or taken out
If you notice any of these, don’t consume the drink and inform a member of staff at the venue.
What to do if you suspect you or someone else has been spiked?
Seek help from a member of staff at the venue and use the SafeZone App to contact Security if on campus.
If you are not with a trusted person, you can ask for "Angela" or "Andrew" at the bar.
Seek medical advice. If seriously unwell, someone you trust should take you to your nearest A&E department; otherwise call 111 or consult your GP. If you suspect spiking by injection, seek testing for infections such as hepatitis and HIV. A&E do not offer toxicology tests and will only perform tests for drugs when it is necessary to determine medical treatment.
Report to the Police. Call 999 if at risk or 101 if in a place of safety. Police can test blood, urine, hair, drinks and vomit for drugs.
Report to the University through the Report + Support - Report + Support - University of Greenwich tool to access support from Student Support Advisors. The University will then contact you to discuss your report and supporting options further before taking any action.
If you have been subjected to rape or sexual assault (or other forms of sexual violence) you can speak to one of our specialist Student Support Advisors at Report + Support - Report + Support - University of Greenwich
Further information on spiking:
Spiking: factsheet - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
How spiking can make you feel | Metropolitan Police
Spiking, date rape drugs and being roofied: what are they? | Rape Crisis England & Wales
Drink spiking and date rape drugs | Drinkaware