Whether you’re about to start university as a ‘fresher’ or you’re a keen pub goer, knowing the signs that you or someone else has had their drinks spiked could be important information to know.
While you might just be up for a good night, unfortunately some people will attempt to spoil your drink and your night out.
An ex-bartender and founder of Lixir Drinks, Matt Mahatme, has shared some signs to look out for if you think someone has had their drink spiked.
Matt Mahatme said: “Everyone should feel safe to enjoy themselves without worrying about being spiked. However, there are ways to help look out for yourself and others whilst drinking with your safety in mind.
“Here are a few signs to look out for that may mean your drink or a friend’s has been spiked.”
4 signs that your drink might have been spiked
Sudden and extreme intoxication
The number of drinks it takes for someone to become intoxicated varies for each person but on average, it takes around 4-5 drinks for men and 3-4 drinks for women within two hours, Matt Mahatme from Lixir Drinks says.
Therefore, if you become intoxicated after one standard drink, it could mean you have been spiked.
Loss of coordination and motor skills
Some drugs or substances can affect the nervous system, leading to impaired coordination and motor skills, including stumbling, inability to walk, loss of balance, and/ or dizziness.
If these are not usually behavioural changes you experience when consuming your usual amount of alcohol then Matt suggests this may indicate your drink has been tampered with.
Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
Some illegal substances can cause the muscles to relax which includes those involved in speech production.
Slurred speech can also occur when someone becomes intoxicated through normal alcohol consumption but it typically happens gradually as alcohol affects various parts of the brain and body.
If a drink has been spiked, the onset of slurred speech might be more sudden and pronounced.
Nausea or vomiting
The body’s natural response when a spiked drink has been consumed can include nausea and vomiting to get rid of the foreign or harmful substances.
This is the body’s natural defence mechanism and if you haven’t drunk much alcohol before you find yourself vomiting, it could mean your drink has been spiked.
What should you do if you or a friend has been spiked?
Lixir Drinks advises anyone who thinks they or a friend has had their drink spiked to alert a member of staff or a security guard if you’re at a venue.
You should stay with the person who you think has been spiked and keep them awake and talking.
Don’t let them go home alone or with someone else and report the incident to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Once the incident has been reported to the police, officers might take a urine sample as soon as possible because some drugs that are used to spike drinks leave the body within 12 hours.
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