Spiking
Spiking is giving someone alcohol or drugs without them knowing or agreeing. Spiking is illegal under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
Spiking can happen to anyone, anywhere – no matter their age, gender, sexuality or ethnicity. It can be carried out by strangers or by people you know.
Types of spiking
Different methods can be used to spike someone, including drink spiking, needle spiking, vape or cigarette spiking, and food spiking.
Find out about different types of spiking.
Signs you have been spiked
If you think you or a friend have been spiked, there are a number of things to look out for. This can include confusion, vomiting, and lowered inhibitions.
Symptoms of spiking vary depending on what you have been spiked with and can be similar to excessive alcohol consumption.
Find out how spiking can make you feel.
What to do if you think someone has been spiked
If you think someone has been spiked, you should:
- Alert a member of staff or security at the venue
- Stay with them and keep talking to them
- Sit them down somewhere quiet and safe with a trusted person
- Don’t let them go home on their own or leave with someone they don’t know
- Try and confirm who the person came to the venue with and if their friends or a trusted person is nearby
- Call an ambulance if they need medical assistance, or if their condition deteriorates
- Report to the police on 999 or 101. Always call 999 if you are in immediate danger