Spiking

Definition: Spiking is when someone gives you alcohol or drugs without you having agreed to take them.

Spiking can happen via:

• Substances used to spike drinks. These are often hard to spot, if your drink has excessive bubbles, a foggy appearance or your drink has changed taste and/or colour, then your drink may have been spiked.
• Needles, through injection of drugs.
• Vapes or cigarettes, where they can be laced with drugs.
• Food, adding drugs to someone’s food.

Common signs of spiking can include:

• A sudden change in behaviour (eg. Being okay then seeming extremely drunk very quickly)
• Blurred vision and problems with balance and coordination
• Confusion/memory loss/blackouts
• Hallucinations & paranoia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Passing out and not responding

Actions to consider

• If you think you have been spiked tell someone you trust and ask them to stay with you. If you feel in danger or unwell call 999.
• Keep your drink with you at all times and do not accept drinks from strangers
• Bottle-stops or drink toppers can be used to deter spiking, at Norfolk & Suffolk Victim Care we can provide free bottle-stoppers.
• Report the incident to the Police, some substances used for spiking can’t be detected from as early as 12 hours, so it is important to do this early so the police can find out what has happened.
• Contact Us, we all need support at some time or another and asking for help can be difficult, Norfolk & Suffolk Victim Care are here when you want to talk.
• If you want to report a crime anonymously, you can call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care can provide:

• Emotional Support to cope and recover from the crime
• Information on and referrals to other agencies
• Advice on crime prevention and tailored safety planning advice
• Practical support such as a personal alarm
• Support using Language interpreters and British Sign Language interpreters