What to do if you think you have been spiked/assaulted
It can be difficult to know if your drink has been spiked, but if you feel strange or like you’ve had more alcohol to drink that you have, then you need to get help straight away.
Some symptoms could include:
- confusion
- memory loss
- feeling sick or throwing up
- lowered inhibitions
- loss of balance
- unconsciousness
- problems with vision
You can go to the police or hospital accident and emergency department by calling 999 or 101 to report it to the police. The police need to know about every possible spiking so they can investigate, even if no other crime has taken place. If you are out in a bar or club, you can report to a member of staff, who will be able to help and support you. If you are injured or have symptoms you are worried about after being spiked, call NHS 111.
If you think you’ve been sexually assaulted, you can go to your nearest sexual assault referral centre (SARC) for specialist care and support. At a SARC you can receive a medical or forensic examination (whether or not you decide to report to the police).
What to do if you think your friend has been spiked
If you think a friend has had their drink spiked, and they are showing any of the symptoms described, there are a few things you can do to help them:
- Tell a bar manager, bouncer or member of staff
- Stay with them and keep talking to them
- Call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates
- Don’t let them go home on their own
- Don’t let them leave with someone you don’t know or trust
- Don’t let them drink more alcohol – this could lead to more serious problems
- Report the incident to the police by calling 999 or 101
Reporting it
Does it feel like the situation could get heated or violent very soon? Is someone in immediate danger? Do you need support right away? If so, please call 999 immediately..
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use the textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.
Remember, one of the main effects of date rape drugs is memory loss, so you might not be sure if you’ve been assaulted.
It’s always your choice whether to report possible rape or sexual assault. But if you decide to report it, you can:
- tell the police or report it to another organisation
- report it anonymously or give your full details and start an investigation
- report it yourself or ask someone else to report it for you
If you want to report it the police, you can do that:
- online
- by calling 101
- by going to a police station
You can report drink spiking even if you don’t think you’ve been assaulted.
If you give permission, forensic tests can be done to check for date rape drugs in your system. Blood and urine samples need to be taken quite soon after the incident. But hair and nail samples can be used to detect drugs much later.
Further help and support:
Treetops – offers medical care, emotional support and practical help to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. The Crisis Worker team at Treetops SARC provide independent advocacy and support with practical matters,
can introduce you to other support services, for example Rape Crisis and Victim Support, as well as providing confidential telephone advice.
Victim Support’s website.– offers free, confidential, and independent support to help you move beyond the impact of crime