Spiked or tampered with or poisoned? Most drugs used for spiking or poisoning took effect within 15-30 minutes and symptoms usually lasted for several hours. However, if you pass out it will be hard to know the full effect, and you may still feel some of the symptoms of a drug after a night’s sleep.

Also, your symptoms will depend on which substance has been used, but they usually include lowered inhibitions, difficulty concentrating or speaking, loss of balance and finding it hard to move, visual problems; particularly blurred vision, memory loss (amnesia) or “blackouts”; feeling confused or disorientated, particularly after waking up, paranoia, hallucinations or having an “out of body” experience, nausea and vomiting, and unconsciousness.

Spiked
spiked , tampered or poisoned

The health experts stated that if your drink had been spiked, it was unlikely you would see, smell or taste any difference. Drugs, such as GHB, might taste slightly salty or smell unusual.

What are drinks usually spiked with?

Spiked
Drink spiking

Drink spiking is the act of adding drugs or alcohol to someone’s beverage (often alcoholic) without their permission. Most cases of drink spiking occur with the intention of sexual assault or robbery. Other reasons include kidnapping, anger toward the chosen victim or entertainment. Mostly, women are the common targets of this illegal crime, although approximately 11% of men are victims as well. Most cases of drink spiking occur in night clubs, bars and parties. Dizziness, blackouts, poor coordination and decreased inhibitions are just a few of the effects of drink spiking. Below are what drinks usually spiked with;

  • Alcohol

However, Shots of alcohol can be added to make drinks stronger and cause someone to get drunk more quickly.

  • Date Rape Drugs

With these, they are specifically designed to incapacitate someone.

  • Illegal Drugs
  • Prescription Drugs

For example, Stimulants, tranquilisers, sedatives, or opiates.

However, when someone’s drink is spiked due to alcohol or drugs, they often do not realize it until it is far too late and they are either unconscious or unable to communicate properly. Unfortunately, in many cases of drink spiking the victim does not even realize anything is wrong until the event has passed and they wake up uncomfortable and with memory loss. Most people who have their drinks spiked eventually blackout, which typically occurs in a few hours. A blackout can last up to 12 hours and is followed by memory loss.

Image result for Spiked Drink with Cocaine

Also, it recommends the following steps to help prevent your drink being tampered with…

  • Never leave your drink unattended and keep an eye on your friends’ drinks.
  • Don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
  • Consider sticking to bottled drinks and avoiding punch bowls or jugs of cocktails.
  • Don’t give out your address to someone you’ve just met.
  • If you think your drink has been tampered with, don’t drink it – tell a trusted friend or relative immediately.
  • Before going out, let someone know where you’re going and what time you expect to be home.
  • Make plans for your journey home.
  • Avoid taking expensive equipment with you or anything that could be a target for thieves.
  • If you are travelling abroad, be aware of the local area and where you can find help.

What To Do After Being Spiked?

Spiked
Spiked
  • Call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates.
  • Tell a bar manager, bouncer or member of staff.
  • Stay with them and keep talking to them.
  • Report to the police immediately.
  • Don’t let them go home on their own.
  • Don’t let them leave the venue with someone you don’t know or trust.
  • If possible, try and prevent them drinking more alcohol as this could lead to more serious problems.