Dangers of Drink Spiking ? how to stay safe on a night out

Dangers of Drink Spiking ? how to stay safe on a night out

Drink spiking is unfortunately an all too common problem and is increasing in prevalence. More and more people each year are reporting incidents of drink-spiking. This article explains the dangers and what you can do to stay safe on a night out, including how Drink Holders are helping in the fight against drink spiking.

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What is drink spiking

Drink spiking is when somebody places a substance in your drink unbeknown to yourself. There are a whole host of reasons why somebody may wish to do this – from just a minor prank to committing serious crimes like robbery, assault and rape.

Drinks can be spiked with almost anything, from alcohol to illegal drugs, prescribed medication to so-called date rape drugs. Regardless of the motives for drink spiking it is illegal and if somebody is found guilty of it they could receive up to ten years in prison – more if they have committed a further act such as an assault whilst your drink was spiked.

The problem with drink spiking is that quite often the victims cannot remember the events leading up to, or after the spiking which mean all too often crimes go undetected.

Death can also occur if your drink has been spiked as quite often the person spiking the drink will not know how much dosage they are giving you making you vulnerable to an overdose.

Who is at risk?

Nearly everyone on a night out can be at risk of having their drinks tampered with. Those that regularly drink too much or take illegal drugs willingly are perhaps more at risk as they may be less cautious; however, even tee-teetotallers can fall foul of having their drink spiked.

Preventing drink spiking

You can prevent your drink from getting tampered with if you follow simple precautions:

Never leave a drink unattended. If you have to go to the bathroom – take it with you and if you wish to dance and are prohibited from taking your drinks, wait until you finish them.
Don’t accept drinks from strangers or ensure that you go to bar with them if you do. Don’t allow somebody to keep supplying you with drinks as you may not know what has been put in them.
Don’t drink too much. You are far more vulnerable when you are already intoxicated as it will hinder your ability to identify any symptoms of having been spiked.

Guradian Drink Holders in a bar bathroom

Drink holders

Anti-bacterial drinks holders are now installed in many bars, restaurants, night clubs and hotels. These hygienic devices are often placed in bathrooms and other locations that allow you to take your drink with you when you go. They are anti-bacterial and safe and can hold glasses and bottles allowing you take a break without fearing that your drink has been tampered with when you go.