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How do I know if my drink's been spiked?
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Most date rape drugs take effect within 30 minutes, symptoms usually last for several hours.
But if you pass out, it'll be hard to know the full effect. You may still feel some of the symptoms of a date rape drug after a night's sleep.
Symptoms will depend on which substance has been used, they usually include:
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- lowered inhibitions
- difficulty concentrating or speaking
- loss of balance and finding it hard to move
- visual problems, particularly blurred vision
- memory loss (amnesia) or "blackouts"
- feeling confused or disorientated, particularly after waking up (if you have been asleep)
- paranoia (a feeling of fear or distrust of others)
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing or touching things that aren't there) or having an "out of body" experience
- nausea and vomiting
- unconsciousness
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How to avoid drink spiking
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If your drink has been spiked, it's unlikely that you'll see, smell or taste any difference. Some drugs, such as GHB, may taste slightly salty or smell unusual.
If you start to feel strange or more drunk than you should be, get help immediately.
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- Never leave your drink unattended, and keep an eye on your friends' drinks.
- Don't accept a drink from someone you don't know.
- Consider sticking to bottled drinks and avoiding punch bowls or jugs of cocktails.
- If you think your drink's been tampered with, don't drink it – tell a trusted friend or relative immediately.
- Avoid taking expensive equipment with you or anything that could be a target for thieves.
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What should I do if I think my drink's been spiked?
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First, tell someone you completely trust, such as:
- a close friend
- a relative
- a medical professional
- the police
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If you aren't with anyone, call someone you trust and get to a safe place. Ask to use a phone if yours has been stolen.
If you need urgent help, call 999. Be wary of accepting help from a stranger and don't leave with someone you don't know.
If you feel unwell, someone you trust should take you to your nearest A&E department. Tell the medical staff that you think your drink's been spiked.
Arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you until the drugs have fully left your system.
Report it to the police as soon as you can. They may ask you to provide blood and urine samples.
Most drugs leave the body within 72 hours of being taken (the date rape drug GHB leaves the body within 12 hours), so it's important to be tested as soon as possible.
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