If you’ve been watching the news in the UK recently, you will have seen plenty of stories about drink spiking making the headlines. From all over the UK, women have been reporting that their drinks have been spiked or that some other form of adulteration had been taking place, including reports of women being “spiked” by a needle containing an unknown substance. In all cases it would seem as if the spiking was part of a ploy by the assailant to commit an unwanted sexual act.
Drink Spiking is not a new phenomenon, however the recent rise of people being injected is certainly not something that we have seen before. Despite the many reports it is hard to know how widespread this new and disturbing trend has become. We also are unaware as to what drugs the perpetrators are using when they spike their victims. History would suggest that the injectable liquid may contain Benzodiazepines, GHB or Ketamine.
Drink spiking is no laughing matter. In a worst case scenario it can lead to hospitalisation or even death. The physical symptoms of drink spiking can vary dramatically between individuals. The psychological harm to the person that has been attacked in this way can be massive too.
Unfortunately, many people who believe that they have been spiked, do not know what to do about it. There is no obvious support group available and many will be hesitant to go to the police with their concerns.
A drink spike test can help a person to at least establish if something untoward has happened to them, before they take the next step by reporting the assault to the authorities. This type of test will check for the presence of benzodiazepines, also know as as Rohypnol or ‘Benzos‘ .
After a drink spike incident, the person affected may well be naturally hesitant about going out in public and drinking again. The Spikey Anti Drink Spiking Bottle Stopper can help stop any future drink spiking. This simple device simply pops into the neck of any bottled drink to allow for a straw to be inserted. Apart, from the straw, the neck of the bottle is perfectly sealed so that nothing else can enter it, keeping your drink safe from potential tampering.
No matter how street savvy you may think you are, just be aware that drink spiking can occur to anyone regardless of their gender or age.
When you’re out drinking with your mates, it’s always best to take precautions. Paranoid-mode is safe mode! Make sure you never lose sight of your drink and avoid leaving your glass or bottle unattended. If you have any suspicions that your drink may have been tampered with, stop drinking straight away and seek assistance from a trusted friend or official figure. Should you start to become unwell or experience any disturbing symptoms it’s important to seek attention away.
Always remember, there’s no shame in being a victim of drink spiking. Seeking help can protect yourself and also prevent others from falling into the same situation. Stay safe out there!
Protecting Yourself From Drink Spiking
While it’s crucial to be aware of the risks, don’t let the fear of drink spiking stop you from enjoying a night out with friends. There are several precautions you can take to protect yourself. For example, never accept drinks from strangers and always keep your drink in sight. If someone offers to buy you a drink, go with them to the bar and watch as it’s being made. Consider investing in anti-spiking products like drink covers or colour-changing test strips that can detect common date rape drugs. By staying vigilant and taking these simple steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to this heinous crime.
Photo: “Drinking” by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
