How Does it Feel to Be Spiked?
Spiking a drink is a common crime, often seen in pubs and clubs. It usually involves someone adding drugs or alcohol to your drink without your knowledge, often in order to cause you distress or embarrassment. Sometimes, the person who spiked your drink may also have a criminal intention, such as to rob or sexually assault you.
The Effects of a Spiked Drink
Intoxicants used to spike drinks include ‘date rape’ drugs such as Rohypnol, GHB or Ketamine. They are odourless, colourless and tasteless so they are hard to detect. They can have a sedative effect and can affect your memory and cause drowsiness. They can be more dangerous than alcohol as they can lead to “blackouts” and coma if taken at high doses.
If you or a friend think that your drink has been spiked, you should alert a trusted person such as the bar manager or bouncer. This person will be able to get the police involved and help you or your friend.
You should also try and get to a safe place if you or your friend start feeling dizzy, disoriented or confused. You should call an ambulance or go to hospital if you feel unwell.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to spiking a drink is that this is illegal and can result in serious consequences for the victim, including prison sentences. The crime is also very difficult to report and many victims are ashamed or embarrassed about their experiences, so they do not tell anyone.
There are ways to avoid being spiked, such as buying drinks that come in bottles with screw-top lids or using’spikeys’ to make it harder for someone to add something to your drink. You can also ask for a drink that is made with low-alcohol content so that it’s less likely to be spiked.
It is important to drink responsibly and stay in contact with your friends at all times while you are at parties, clubs or social events. If you are feeling dizzy or nauseous, it is a good idea to tell a trusted friend so they can take you home safely or to the hospital.
Symptoms of Being Spiked
You and your friends will all experience different symptoms if you are spiked. The most common symptoms are drowsiness, loss of balance and confusion. You might also notice hallucinations, which is a sign that the intoxicant is working its way through your system.
Depending on the drug and the dose, you or your friend might also experience side effects such as nausea or vomiting. It is also possible to be affected by the effects of other drugs that are being mixed together, such as prescription medication.
If you or a friend have noticed any of these side effects, it is a good idea to stop drinking. You should also tell a trusted person that you think you or your friend has been spiked, so they can call the police to help.
