Drink spiking - meaning and definition
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Definition
Drink spiking is adding alcohol or drugs to someone's drink without their knowledge, sometimes to facilitate robbery or sexual assault.
At a glance
- Adding alcohol or drugs to someone's drink without their knowledge.
- Symptoms can include feeling far more drunk than expected, confusion and memory gaps.
- Some substances leave the body quickly, so prompt testing matters.
- Responsibility lies entirely with the person who spiked the drink.
In detail
Spiking can involve extra alcohol, prescription sedatives or illegal drugs. Symptoms may include feeling far more drunk than expected, confusion, loss of balance, nausea, drowsiness and memory gaps. Some substances leave the body quickly, so prompt testing matters if spiking is suspected.
Anyone who thinks they or a friend has been spiked should get to a safe place with trusted people and seek medical help, contacting emergency services if symptoms are severe. Responsibility lies entirely with the person who spiked the drink, never with the person affected.
In a sentence
- She felt far drunker than two drinks should make her, so her friends suspected drink spiking.
- The venue put up posters about drink spiking and how to ask staff for help.
Common questions
What are the signs of drink spiking?
Feeling much more drunk than expected, confusion, loss of balance, nausea, drowsiness and gaps in memory can all be signs. Symptoms vary depending on the substance.
What should I do if I think my drink was spiked?
Get to a safe place with people you trust and seek medical help, calling your local emergency number if symptoms are severe. Testing soon matters because some substances leave the body quickly. It is never your fault.