What to do if you suspect you've been drugged
Parties are meant to be fun, but not everyone there has good intentions. Here's what you should do if you think you have been drugged.
Getting drugged at a club, party, or even a dinner date is more common than most people realise. It can happen anywhere, at any time, and to anyone.
The unfortunate reality is that many victims remain silent – some out of
shame, others because they question whether they simply drank too much alcohol.
Drink spiking is among the most underreported crimes, with research in the UK showing that only one in 10 victims report it to the police.
"Of the 90% who did not report the drink spiking to the police, approximately half said they 'didn’t see the point'. The research found that 2.2% of respondents reported having their drinks spiked in the previous 12 months, which is equivalent to around 1.2 million UK adults every year," the report, conducted by Drinkaware and Anglia Ruskin University, revealed.
Some of the signs you could be drugged include dizziness, confusion, memory loss or complete blackout. You could also experience nausea, weird body sensations or hallucinations.
READ: How to know if your drink has been spiked
If you suspect you have been drugged, it's important to know that it's not your fault and you didn't do anything to deserve the treatment.
What should you do if you suspect you've been drugged?
Avoid consuming any more drinks, even non-alcoholic ones. Suspects don’t limit themselves to alcoholic beverages – they can easily slip something into a water bottle when you’re not looking.
If you're with a friend, tell them immediately that you suspect your drink has been spiked. If you're at a club or bar, alert the bartender or security staff.
Get to a safe place with someone you trust as soon as possible. If you're alone or unsure who to trust, call emergency officials for help.
Some experts also recommend keeping the drink you suspect has been spiked, as it may help identify the drug used.
How to get help if you've been drugged
Once you're in a safe place, keep monitoring your symptoms, as they could worsen and require medical attention. If possible, head to the nearest hospital and request a drug test.
If you're unable to make it to the hospital but notice your condition worsening, call an ambulance for immediate help.
How to report the incident
Reporting the crime depends on where the incident occurred. Here are the steps you can take:
Inform the manager on duty immediately, especially if it happened at a club or bar.
If you’re at a private event, let your host know right away so they can take appropriate action.
Report the incident to the police, especially if you have been violated in any way. They can help investigate and offer support.
If you believe your belongings were stolen after your drink was spiked, contact the police as soon as possible. Drink spiking is sometimes used as a method to facilitate theft.
How to avoid being drugged at a party
One of the best ways to avoid having your drink spiked at a party or club is to never leave it unattended. If you need to look away or chat with someone, cover your drink with your hand. It might seem like a small gesture, but it only takes a few seconds for someone to tamper with your drink.
Don't accept drinks from strangers, especially if they haven't been opened in front of you.
Avoid being alone in unfamiliar surroundings, even if it means following your friends to the restroom.
Drugging someone's drink is illegal, and offenders can be charged with assault and administrating harmful substances.
While women are usually the primary targets, men are also victims of drinking spiking.
Don't feel afraid – or ashamed – to speak up if you suspect you have been drugged.
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