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Spiked drinks
Drinks can easily be spiked in nightclubs, house parties and pubs.
If someone wants to buy you a drink, go to the bar with them so you can be sure of what you get. It sounds obvious but when money is running out and we’ve already drunk a lot, we all do stupid things. Don’t take drinks from strangers, don’t leave your drink unattended and don’t steal drinks!
If you start to feel out of control, sick, very sleepy, lose consciousness or feel dizzy, then stay with friends and ask them to keep an eye on you. You could also ask the bar person for help, or ask them to call you a taxi, but in a busy bar they might not be much help. If a friend collapses or loses consciousness, then stay with them and call an ambulance on 999 right away. Find information on how to help a drunk friend here.
What is a spiked drink?
- If alcohol or a drug is put in your drink without your knowledge; then it’s a spiked drink.
- It will probably make you feel drunk or drugged without you realising why.
- You might pass out; not be able to defend yourself or black out and not remember what happened.
- The most common drug to be used in drink spiking is alcohol, although prescription and illegal drugs can be used.
- Drugs used to assault someone can be colourless, tasteless and without a smell.
- Someone might spike your drink as a joke or when planning to attack or sexually assault you. Spiking drinks is a serious illegal offence.
Prevent spiked drinks:
- The more you have to drink, the less likely you are to realise that your drink has been spiked.
- Don’t share other people’s drinks.
- Don’t steal drinks!
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers or people you don’t trust.
- If someone wants to buy you a drink, go to the bar with them so you can be sure of what you get.
- Drink bottles and keep your thumb over the top to stop anything being put in.
- Don’t leave your drink unattended.
- Take your drink to the toilets and the dance floor with you.
- Non-alcoholic drinks like coke, tea or coffee can also be spiked.
- Drink spiking can happen in bars, nightclubs, house parties or social events.
- If you notice that your drink has been moved or looks different then don’t drink it.
- Keep an eye on friends’ drinks as well.
- If you start to feel out of control, sick, very sleepy, lose consciousness or feel dizzy; then stay with friends and ask them to take care of you. You need to get help IMMEDIATELY as the effects of a spiked drink can quickly become worse.
- If you don’t feel well and a stranger tries to separate you from friends or takes you somewhere isolated then resist as mush as possible. Scream for help, kick, push, do everything you can to avoid being alone with them.
- Don’t accept help from strangers or someone you don’t feel comfortable with.
- You could also ask the bar person for help or ask them to call you a taxi. If a friend collapses or loses consciousness then stay with them and call an ambulance right away.
- Find out what to do if you think you have been raped or assaulted after having your drink spiked.
Contact details for rape crisis centres in Ireland.
See the help section for supportive information and contacts details of support organisations.
