What is Drink Spiking?
Drink spiking is the term given for situations in which someone has added a substance to your drink, without your knowledge or permission. The illegal act of drink spiking is usually committed by pouring liquids, powders or drugs into your drink in an attempt to make you drunk or high so that your reaction time and physical abilities are hindered.
In South Africa, the spiking of drinks has escalated, with incidents taking place in every town, at house parties, bars, restaurants, school functions, night clubs, and many other types of functions. Studies suggest that 2 in 3 drink spiking incidents are associated with sexual assault.
How to Know If You or Someone Else has been Spiked?
If you or a friend on a night out are experiencing a different reaction to alcohol than you normally would, there is a possibility that your drink has been spiked or tampered with.
In some cases, it is not always easy when intoxicated to visibly notice or taste a difference in your drink when it has been spiked – however the effects of the inserted substances can take effect on you within 15-30 mins of consumption depending on the type and quantity of substances used.
Spike victims tend to experience a combination of the following symptoms:
- Sleepy
- Dizzy
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weak
- Disassociation
- Visual problems and hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Memory-loss
- Mobility-loss
- Breathing problems
If you feel or recognise that someone else is experiencing any of the following symptoms after only drinking one or a couple of drinks and recognise that it is out of the ordinary - consider your/their drink spiked, and take action!
What should you do if you believe you or someone else has been spiked?
First step is to let somebody know how you/they are feeling - notify the club/restaurant/bar/public place staff, security or manager immediately. Get yourself or the other person to somewhere where they can sit and be out of harm’s way until they are attended to. It is ideal to have someone stay with you, or for you to stay with the person who has been spiked and keep talking to them for support.
Be prepared to call an ambulance and medical assistance if their condition continues to deteriorate and if there is no one around to assist. It is important to be vocal about suspected spiking so that medial staff can assist properly and so that preventative measures can be taken at the place of spiking to prevent others from being spiked too.
Get in contact with police as soon as possible after a suspected and confirmed incident of drink spiking. If you were unable to be assisted while being intoxicated from a spiking incident and experience any kind of assault please don’t feel ashamed and prevent yourself from getting help. Often people who have experienced assault or a sexual attack while intoxicated feel guilt, shame or concern that people may not believe them – don’t let this stop you! Get support even if you can’t remember everything or exactly what happened – some drink spiking substances can cause short-term memory loss.
How can you prevent being a victim of drink spiking?
In order to prevent yourself or others from having your drink spiked it is suggested that you party safely. Interact and socialise with friends and people you know or trust. Always plan how you will watch out for one another, stay in touch and have a meeting spot.
Some other ways to prevent drink spiking, its effects on you and crimes committed against you whilst intoxicated are:
- Always pour your drinks yourself
- Always buy your own drinks and watch them be poured
- Never accept drinks from strangers – especially if you didn’t see where the drink came from.
- Never go home or let a friend leave or go home with someone they don’t know or trust yet.
- Never leave your drink unattained
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: Always carry your Safety Scrunchie with you to cover and protect your drinks!
Who to contact in case of spiking or assault incident:
South African Police Service - 10111
Medical Emergency Services - 10177
National GBV Helpline - 0800 150 150
National Counselling Line - 0861 322 322
Rape Crisis - 021 447 9762
Toll Free Crisis Line - 086 157 4747