Signs to watch for and how to keep safe

With the reported number of spiking cases seemingly on the rise, a top pharmacist has warned of the symptoms to watch out for and advice if you think you have been spiked.

LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor have answered frequently asked questions about spiking and date rape drugs to help young people.

If you or one of your friends are on a night out and are having a different reaction to alcohol than normal, or you start to feel‘off’, there is a chance you could have been spiked.

A spiked drink might not look, smell or taste any different. And it could take 15-30 minutes before you see any effect, but these effects could last for several hours.

Symptoms vary based on a number of factors including which substance or mix of substances have been used; the dosage consumed, your height and weight, and how much alcohol you’ve already had.

Common symptoms can include feeling drunker, a loss of balance, visual problems, lowered inhibitions, confusion, nausea, vomiting and unconsciousness.

If you believe you or someone else has been spiked, you should tell a bar manager, bouncer or member of staff immediately. Try to stay with the person who has been spiked and keep talking to them.

You should never go home by yourself if you think you’ve been spiked and should not allow anyone to leave the venue with someone they don’t know or trust.

You should stop drinking immediately if you think you’ve been spiked, as the mix of drugs and alcohol could be dangerous.

You should be prepared to call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates. At A&E you should tell the medical staff that you suspect the victim has been spiked. They will then be able to conduct urine and blood tests to determine which drugs are in their system.

If you suspect that you have been assaulted, you can go to the police, a local GP or hospital. If you don’t feel ready to do that, you can also call the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre on 0808 802 9999.

The most commonly used‘date rape’ drugs are Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and Rohypnol (or Roofie).

Other recreational drugs such as Ketamine, Ecstasy and LSD are also often used in spikings.