Drink spiking isn’t something that is discussed a ton in public circles, but it’s quietly becoming a very serious problem (and the consequences are dire and heartbreaking) so check out these tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Drink Spiking.
The more you know about how drink spiking occurs and how to prevent it, the less likely you are to become a victim.
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Drink Spiking Statistics
Drink spiking occurs when someone puts an unwanted drug into another person’s drink without their knowledge.
Drink spiking can be malicious – often used as a way of neutralizing a victim for the purposes of sexual assault or robbery – or it can be done as a “joke.”
However, even when the perpetrator has a joking mentality and no ill-intent, drink spiking is dangerous and illegal.
Truth be told, we know surprisingly little about drink spiking (at least in terms of the extent of the problem).
A survey of college students indicates that 8 percent of individuals have had foreign substances or drugs put into their drinks without their knowledge or permission.
However, common sense and anecdotal evidence suggest that the number is probably much higher.
Alarming stories continue to emerge all over the United States, Europe, and really across the world.
There have been hundreds of reports of drink spiking in the UK over the past several months alone.
Bar districts and nightclubs throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have increased their security and issued dire warnings to patrons to be vigilant.
Here in the United States, The Washington Post just published a feature piece on drink spiking in the Washington D.C. area, where multiple young women have reported their drinks were spiked at local bars.
And these are just the instances we know about! Thousands of people have their drinks spiked each year and are too confused or shameful to come forward.
Others aren’t quite sure what happened, so they stay quiet.
While anyone can have their drink spiked – including men – research shows that four out of five victims are female.
Around half of them are under the age of 24.
Most instances happen at college bars and parties. And while all drink spiking is dangerous and illegal, authorities say 20 to 30 percent of incidents reported to police involve sexual assault.
Ways to Prevent Drink Spiking
While the typical profile of a drink spiking victim is a young woman in her early to mid-20s, anyone can be impacted.
Here are several ways you can avoid becoming a victim:
Go Out With Friends
For starters, you should never go out alone.
Always go to a bar or party with at least one person and avoid getting separated.
You should be each other’s eyes and ears – constantly remaining vigilant of your surroundings.
Buy Your Own Drinks
It doesn’t matter how cute the other person is or how well-intentioned they seem, avoid letting someone else buy you a drink and bring it to your table.
Always buy your own drinks and (preferably) watch the bartender prepare it.
Cover Your Drink
Keep your drink covered.
If you’re getting a beer, opt for a bottle rather than a glass whenever possible.
This allows you to easily place your thumb over the top to prevent something from slipping in.
If you do have a glass or cup, NightCap has some extremely effective (and convenient) covers that can be easily placed over the drink and used with a straw.
They come in both scrunchie and keychain options so that you always have one on you.
Never Leave Your Drink Unattended
Never leave your drink alone or unattended.
And when you’re going to the restroom, take your drink with you.
When you need to go pay your tab, take your drink with you or have your friend carefully watch it for you.
Never Drink Someone Else’s Drink
Don’t drink from other people’s glasses.
Whether intentionally or by accident, consuming someone else’s drink could put you in a compromising situation.
It’s better to stick with your own drink and to order another if you’d like one more.
Protect Yourself From Harm
Drink spiking is dangerous and illegal.
Unfortunately, it seems to be happening more often in bars and at parties.
The next time you go out, make sure you take proactive steps toward protecting yourself and those around you.
With a few calculated decisions, you can significantly lower your risk of becoming a victim.
